Audio Mixer: Bob Mould.

Recording information: Blindspot, Washington DC; Granary Music.

Like a classic-rock staple that takes years of detachment to hear on its own merits, DISTRICT LINE requires some mental distancing from Bob Mould's storied past. After indulging in side project the Blowoff, the one-time Hüsker Dü/Sugar daddy has laid down his most polished piece of unapologetic pop, and sans the albatross of comparative context, DISTRICT is a welcomed, mature masterstroke. Years of furious punk energy have been boiled down to naked sentiment, with lovelorn lyrics audible above squalling lead guitar, thrashing acoustics, and crashing cymbals. And in fact, Mould's openness about his homosexuality lends his words a subtext that's more courageous than any hyper-speed Hüsker ranting. While it might be too adult-contempo for younger fans inspired by his hardcore-icon status, those who've lived life's journey parallel to Mould for the last two decades-plus will revel in his rough-edged romanticism.