From the calmer, gentler end of the Elephant Six spectrum is the Ladybug Transistor, purveyor of immaculate, charmingly retro chamber pop and occasional bigger brother to the Essex Green (who put out one of last year’s best albums, Cannibal Sea). Though the lineup has changed greatly over the years—most recently with the sudden passing of drummer and longtime member San Fadyl, who suffered from complications arising from his asthma—the band’s sound has largely stayed close to home. Gary Olson still sings most of the songs in his unmistakable deep voice, and the luscious, organic arrangements—organs, pianos, violins and trumpets all playing major roles—still dominate.

The lush setting displayed on the cover art of The Albemarle Sound, with the band members lazing on the hillside beside some babbling brook, mirrors the atmosphere of the music itself—unhurried, relaxed and pastoral, content to soak in the quiet grandeur of a spring afternoon. The whole album, as most of the Ladybug Transistor albums, was recorded at Olson’s home studio at Marlborough Farms—if that doesn’t sound positively picturesque, I don’t know what does (although the reality is it’s just the name of a house in Brooklyn, though it is fairly large and right beside a park). The Albemarle Sound set the benchmark for future albums, the band’s orchestral vision and pop sensibilities coming into bloom thanks in part to the addition of several players. This is the album to start with if you’re new to the band.