Los Angeles group Bodies of Water pursue the extravagance of the Polyphonic Spree and Arcade Fire, bringing together American traditional folk, theater, and a deep admiration of gospel. While the lineup often grows to 11 people, the core members are Kyle Gladden (bass); Meredith Metcalf (organ); Meredith's husband, David Metcalf (guitar); and Jessie Conklin (drums) -- with all four sharing vocal duties. Following an EP, the band self-released the full-length Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink on their own Thousand Tongues label in July 2007. Deemed "sparkling and expansive" by ~Spin magazine, the album enjoyed enough critical acclaim to pique the interest of Secretly Canadian. The record label signed Bodies of Water to its roster in November; several months later, in January 2008, Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink was re-released to an international audience. The group released its sophomore effort, Twist Again, on June 21, 2011.

~ Kenyon Hopkin, Rovi