Fourth of July

The mastermind behind of Lawrence, Kansas-based Fourth Of July is singer/songwriter Brendan Hangauer playing alone with a nylon-stringed guitar. Awash in a love of Dylan, Townes and Kitty Wells (as much as Silver Jews, Papa M and Palace), Hangauer's songs are full of intimate interactions, cutting observations and dreamy, heartfelt candor. They're grainy, personal films pulled off with a natural director's touch.

But as soon as they're brought to the band, which includes Hangauer's brothers Partick (bass) and Kelly (keys/trumpet) as well as fellow singer Adrianne Verhoeven (former The Anniversary), guitarist Steve Swyers and drummer Brian Costello, the songs explode into amplified urgency and bold, bright heartland-pop.