Don’t let the skull-crusted cover art or the “evil” appellation scare you off—this is no dark, heavy affair. The brainchild of Vegas singer-songwriter Jack Wilcox is bright and literate, borrowing bits and pieces from the current wave of indie faves—the pep of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (“The Summer”), the urgency of Wolf Parade (“Bang, Bang”), the weight of the Arcade Fire (“The Black Cave”)—and on one glorious number, “The Hungry Dead,” blending those influences into one of the year’s most unforgettable local anthems. Despite logging just 28 minutes, The Evil Archipelago feels undeniably epic, portending a future more in line with the rosy elements of its accompanying artwork.
A Crowd of Small Adventures
The Evil Archipelago
*** 1/2