Mountain Battles

Nearly six years after 2002's TITLE TK, much of which was spent touring with the studio-shy Pixies, Kim Deal reconvened the Breeders for the on-again/off-again alt-rock act's fourth full-length album, MOUNTAIN BATTLES. Consisting largely of the same line-up as its predecessor--including Kim's sister, Kelley--the record is another willfully quirky outing, with Deal recalling early Jane's Addiction-era Perry Farrell in the echoing vocals of "Overglazed," then later breathily cooing over the woozy arrangements of "We're Gonna Rise" and "Spark." A return to the venerable 4AD label, MOUNTAIN BATTLES nods to all past Breeders outings, particularly the eclectic LAST SPLASH, presenting the sound of a restless band cruising on its sonic whims. Though this approach occasionally backfires (see the inessential Spanish-language tune "Regalame Esta Noche"), it often yields fascinatingly weird pop moments, as on the seemingly nonsensical, partially a cappella "German Studies," making it an immensely fun listen.