Bodies of Water

Los Angeles group Bodies of Water pursue the extravagance of the Polyphonic Spree and Arcade Fire, bringing together American traditional folk, theater, and a deep admiration of gospel. While the lineup often grows to 11 people, the core members are Kyle Gladden (bass); Meredith Metcalf (organ); Meredith's husband, David Metcalf (guitar); and Jessie Conklin (drums) — with all four sharing vocal duties. Following an EP, the band self-released the full-length Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink on their own Thousand Tongues label in July 2007. Deemed "sparkling and expansive" by Spin magazine, the album enjoyed enough critical acclaim to pique the interest of Secretly Canadian. The record label signed Bodies of Water to its roster in November; several months later, in January 2008, Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink was re-released to an international audience. The group released its sophomore effort, Twist Again, on June 21, 2011.