I’m not sure what to make of The Antlers (technically, Peter Silberman). They cover Magnetic Fields, Yo La Tengo, Broadcast and My Bloody Valentine, which takes massive cojones and at the same time kind of endears them to me, particularly in the way that they make those songs their own, reminding me a bit of Jessamine covering Suicide’s Cheree.

Some of the original tracks are timid, fragile affairs that feel like they might disintegrate at any moment, warranting comparisons perhaps to Mark Kozelek, Jeff Buckley or maybe Greg Weeks. Others, such as the very catchy The Universe Is Going To Catch You reveal a confident and powerful pop composition at times vaguely reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel.

Their 6th release, Hospice, will be self-released in March. Several of the previous releases are available for free download via their MySpace page or site.

(hat tip to Music for Kids Who Can’t Read Good)