From Driveways' Lost View

Review

The St. Louis group Magnolia Summer writes tense, quaking songs gilded with golden guitar jangle and topped with the raw, throaty vocals of Chris Grabau. They're not alt-country per se, but there's a definite twang and croon to their scuffed-up tunes that positions them close to bands like The Bottle Rockets. "Sum of All Fears" is a haunting slow burn, Grabau croaking out dire proclamations over plinking piano and dry guitar strum. "Sink or Swim" is sweeping and bright, anchored in a melodic guitar lead and driving, insistent percussion.