Volcano & Heart

The alluring debut album by Santa Barbara-based band The Coral Sea might seem simple, but is not so easily defined -- one of its many beautiful contradictions for you to explore: its graceful power, its tragic mirth; it's space rock and a string quartet... It calls to mind classic albums by David Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Beatles, with current comparisons ranging from Yo La Tengo to Mercury Rev to Radiohead. Pastoral, atmospheric art-rock, led by frontman and founder Rey Villalobos' luminous, androgynous croon. Standard Jewel Case.