Blind Pilot soft peddles through 11 sincere, quietly confident cuts that share Dylan’s poetic affection and elliptical verse, Bright Eyes’ pop-oriented penance and Iron & Wine’s inflection and lyrical dexterity. The best track is “Go On, Say It,” boasting a melancholy and memorable melody, followed closely by country-tinted “One Red Thread,” which sets an intimate mood with a subtle sense of misgiving.
Blind Pilot won’t generate elevated excitement, but listeners who require more than surface layers will find that 3 Rounds and a Sound delivers.
Grade: B
3 Rounds and a Sound is currently available.