Caves

On their ninth studio album, 2023s Caves, Needtobreathe balances big, emotive hooks with their longstanding knack for rootsy rock uplift. Produced with Cason Cooley, the album nicely splits the difference between the pop sophistication of 2020s Out of Body and the moody Southern folk qualities of 2021s Into the Mystery. The opening "The Cave" and "Everknown" are shambolic anthems, full of ringing post-punk guitars and church hall vocals, all wrapped up in themes of self-examination and spirituality. Once again, much of the albums charm rests on singer Bear Rinehart, who brings an earthy, soulful resonance to the bands sound. The album also benefits from some warm collaborations, as on the effusive "Dreams" with Judah & the Lion. Equally compelling is "Wasting Time" with Old Dominion, which takes the infectious dance-punk style of the Killers and marries it to an exuberant and twangy Southern rock sound. Singer Carly Pearce also jumps on board for the emotive duet ballad "Fall On Me." ~ Matt Collar