Audio Mixer: Craig Schumacher.

Recording information: NFA, Denver, CO; Wavelab Studio, Tuscon, AZ.

Photographers: Lisa Siciliano; Paul Schroder; Nick Urata.

On their first album since scoring the massive indie film hit LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, as well as their first for the higher-profile indie label Anti Records, Denver's boundary-pushing Devotchka stick to their guns. Rather than watering down their blend of Eastern Europe (Romany violins) and the American Southwest (mariachi brass; Tex-Mex accordion), A MAD AND FAITHFUL TELLING actually puts these elements out in front of the trio's more traditional indie-rock side on songs such as the lengthy, eclectic "Basso Profundo." Melodramatic ballads like "Blessing In Disguise" and "New World" are still the band's stock in trade, and A MAD AND FAITHFUL TELLING perfectly showcases their quirky but effective mix of influences.