Sending Up Flares, the fourth record from Casey Neill & The Norway Rats, is the sound of a band rallying together, turning the genre-bending range of its influences into the group's most cohesive, cathartic album yet. reated amidst chaos and uncertainty, these songs offer a lifeline to a world in need of balance, shot through with stories about resolve, resilience, wonder, and positive human interaction. Here, the Portland-based supergroup finds room for everything, turning a wealth of musical influences ― including folk, punk, art-rock, atmospheric soundscapes, guitar freak-outs, and string arrangements ― into something singular. And who, exactly, are the The Norway Rats? They're a band of Pacific Northwest heavy hitters with a longtime roster that includes accordionist/keyboardist Jenny Conlee of the Decemberists, guitarist/producer Chet Lyster of the Eels, bassist Jesse Emerson of Amelia, and Neill (who, in addition to releasing solo material, often moonlights as a member of The Minus 5). Sending Up Flares also features guest appearances from a number of indie icons, including Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker, Scott McCaughey and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck.
