Personnel: Anna Williams (fiddle).

Audio Mixer: Brian Taylor.

Audio Remasterer: Bob Ludwig.

Recording information: Adorea Studio, Hamden, CT; Block Island, RI; Harlem, NY; Oestern Studio, Williamsburg, NY.

On their 2009 release, OH MY GOD, CHARLIE DARWIN, Providence's the Low Anthem play delicate, meticulously constructed roots songs built on a comfortably worn folk template and featuring haunting vocal harmonies. The album's basic folk-rock structure is a familiar one, but sepia-toned songs such as "Ohio" and "Don't Tremble" still emanate a bittersweet truth. OMGCD is by and large a tranquil affair, but there are a few rave-ups (the firey, clanging "The Horizon is a Beltway" for one) thrown in for good measure. In the end, the Low Anthem's brand of Americana, not unlike that of M. Ward, offers nostalgic sentimentality held in check by a brilliant sense of craftsmanship. It's a delicate yet highly rewarding balance.