Alex Izenberg Alex Izenberg & The Exiles (CD)

As Alex Izenberg was piecing together the sweeping, psychedelic opuses on his full-band debut Alex Izenberg & The Exiles, the Los Angeles artist was focused on a simple goal: making something built to last. At the heart of his songs are bold ideas that take inspiration from the heady musings of philosopher Alan Watts, the multi-layered storytelling of King Crimson, and the imagistic vistas of Fleet Foxes. While the subject matter may feel esoteric—“My unconscious named the tongue/Of the lights of closed eyes” goes a characteristic lyric—Izenberg and his band let the music drift pleasantly to earth. The melodies are romantic and warm, and the arrangements are invitingly expansive, making expert use of a new ensemble formed around the strongest songs of his career.TracklistThe Gospel of ExilesAn Obscured OdysseyThe Wraith Behind Our EyesDrinking the Dusk AwayDreams of Déjà VuThreaded DancesOnly the Moon KnowsPareidoliaUnited States (of Mind)ApopheniaAs the Dawn Serenades the Dark