Although the bloggers and critics already have a name for Bodies of Water’s sound – “indie gospel” – anyone would agree it’s too oxymoronic. The label just takes away so much from the music. Some of the themes could be religious. There is an organ being played and at any time there is a huge, church chorus-like backing band equipped with trumpets and trombones, but calling music gospel and sticking the word “indie” in front of it just sounds stupid. Their sound is almost sinister at times thanks to the ominous organ-playing, and the influences are very evident: Ennio Morricone, The Mamas and the Papas, and the heat-stroke of the California sun.

David and Meredith Metcalf along with Jessica Conklin and Kyle Gladdin form the main body of Bodies of Water. Their sophomore album A Certain Feeling navigates through a minefield of activity. The album starts off with the anthemic “Gold, Tan, Peach and Grey” with a backing chorus of “ohs” and a killer ruckus of horns blasting and the Metcalfs singing their hearts out. The feeling never falters. The songs are powerful and at times somber and mournful, but always stunning.

- Janine Rizak