This latest incarnation of the Brothers Steinhart (with Paul Nelson) is now the longest-enduring. The styles have changed a bit over the years (Nelson lends these songs a more rootsy feel), but the Steinharts remain masters of the wryly observed pop song.

The Furious Seasons Home All Day, Home All Night (Stonegarden)

And yes, this is a Covid album. Covid-tinged, anyway. Sorta has to be. Nonetheless, the wordplay takes me into a Furious Seasons space quickly enough. Within every global disaster lies a billion stories. There are a few wonderful ones here.

The music might be the most introspective--or perhaps intimate is a better word--that I've heard these guys play. The pace is a hitch below mid-tempo, and the stories take their time to unwind. This album doesn't require patience, but it sure does enforce it.

Another few steps down the road. The quality remains high, with a sound that is just a touch more elegiac. The Furious Seasons aren't playing for the sunset, but they sure do know how to paint a pretty one or three. Ease into this and ease your worried mind.

Jon Worley