I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning-Digital Ash in a Digital Urn

Don’t let the unsteady quiver in Conor Oberst’s voice fool you: Bright Eyes’ creative whirlwind is one bold motherfucker. Of his two simultaneously released albums, Wide Awake is the stunner. Its arresting folk tunes suggest all the “new Dylan” hype he’s provoking isn’t out of line. After Wide Awake’s straightforward song craft, Bright Eyes takes a sharp left turn. Chilly synth squiggles and spare, flitting beats lend Digital’s first few tunes a downbeat electronic pall. Right when you grab for the razor blade, the music—and the mood—brightens.