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Jun 09, 2010 Web Exclusive By Laura Studarus

Sebastian Krueger, mastermind of Inlets, has toured with My Brightest Diamond and hung with Feist. But on his debut full-length Inter Arbiter, he channels his inner gentleman, creating a sweet orchestral ambient pop soundscape that owes more to Grizzly Bear or DM Stith than his strong-willed female co-workers.

Like the doily that adorns the album’s cover, Inter Arbiter is a delicately crafted, intricately spun gem. Krueger, along with guests Beirut’s Zach Condon and Dirty Projectors’ Angel Deradoorian glide through songs haunted with woodwind embellishments and melancholy piano. The hard-to-Google opener “[]” may hint at an experimental snooze fest, or—worse yet—another Sufjan Stevens wanna-be, but the album soon bursts to life, Krueger’s classical leanings impeccably married to (very) subtle pop overtones. While the majority of tracks could best be filed under “lovely” (and by all rights should be), “In Which, I, Robert” dares to fall out of step with the album’s theme, its driving bass and sparse arrangement hinting at Krueger’s untapped, multi-faceted appeal. Meanwhile, “Bright Orange Air” gently unfolds like an origami flower, blossoming from Krueger’s soothing nasal croon and guitar to a full band refrain. An album four years in the making, Inter Arbiter has benefited from every moment. (www.inletsmusic.com)

Author rating: 7/10