Ox are back with their third CD release. The indie/alt-country band from Sudbury, Ont., debuted in 2003 with Dust Bowl Revival, followed by American Lo-Fi in 2006. Although their sound is similar to Long Beach Shortbus, Atherton and Nada Surf, Ox creates a name and genre for themselves with non-poetic lyrics and phrases that don’t naturally rhyme together, over top of slow-strummed guitars, piano melodies, soft beats and the occasional trumpet slur. The songs are soothing, original and often humorous. “I slept in a hot tub / Where I passed out then sobered up,” he sings. Burnout makes an awesome road-trip soundtrack, so pack the Tacoma and start driving. “The windshield wipers wash away / Insects and freezing rain.” In stores Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)