Tift Merritt

For her fourth solo album, Tift Merritt has taken a turn out of alt-country toward more or less straightforward alt. See You on the Moon, released earlier this month, was produced by Tucker Martine, who has worked with the Decemberists and Spoon, and his influence is apparent—the soulful, breathy performances and horn arrangements of her previous albums have given way to sparse folk rock that presents Merritt’s voice in an altogether new light. It’s a more subdued effort from Merritt—even the loping “Papercut,” the most energetic track, is dialed back, and a cover of Loggins and Messina’s “Danny’s Song” emphasizes the original’s undercurrent of longing over its sing-along refrain—but the simple, direct songs showcase the sparkling, sharp edge of her soprano voice than her ability to belt one out. It’s a side of Merritt’s talent that’s worth paying close attention to. (Matthew Everett)

(Jason Frank Rothenberg.)