Mice Parade

Mice Parade is an anagram for Adam Pierce, the former Swirlies drummer and post-rock virtuoso who launched the solo project about a decade ago. These days, however, Mice Parade typically features guest appearances from a wide range of fellow world-groove aficionados. On the outfit's new self-titled disc, both Lætitia Sadier of Stereolab and Mùm's Kristin Anna Valtysdottir contribute vocals. Pierce sings quite a bit as well, which makes some of the material sound like a more eclectic -- if ultimately less convincing -- version of Iron & Wine. That's because Pierce's voice is of the rigorously nondescript indie-guy variety.

On the new album, the dude is at his best when indulging his taste for deeply woven textures -- as on "Circle None," where percolating Afro-pop guitars chatter delicately while a vibraphone calls someone to dinner. Fortunately, you can expect Pierce's razor-sharp sense of groove to win out over his rudimentary songcraft.