Travis Morrison

From the lead singer and lyricist of the D.C. art-rock quartet The Dismemberment Plan comes this incredible, political, dark and booty-shaking solo record. It's a singular piece of work, matching Plan-ish elements like videogame noises and synth beds with intricate funk and hip-hop-inspired cut-and-paste structures, all rubbing against an open and warm acoustic soundscape that swings from Steely Dan-ish smoothness to full orchestral string arrangements to piano-driven post-punk rave-ups. Travis' lyrics have reached a whole new level, setting the last three years of American political upheaval in his sights, but instead of overt lyrical finger-pointing, he digs deeper to contemplate the personal and metaphorical melancholy and uncertainty that pulse under so much of the country's current anger and distrust. The record was recorded in Seattle and D.C. by Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie, Decemberists, Velvet Teen) and Don Zientara (Fugazi, Bad Brains), and will be sure to please expectant Plan fans and new listeners alike.