After splitting from chief collaborator T.W. Walsh in 2006 to go it alone, former Pedro the Lion principal David Bazan spent his solo years scrutinizing his faith more than ever. Rife with existentialism and self-examination, last year's Curse Your Branches ranks alongside the best that Pedro ever recorded, while Bazan's fervent fans continue to regard the controversial character as more prophet than pariah, despite his doubts. His backing trio—including former Pedro drummer Blake Wescott—has collaborated with such notables as R.E.M., Damien Jurado, Say Hi! and The Long Winters. Recent Saddle Creek signee The Mynabirds is the solo vehicle of soulful, Southern-inflected songstress Laura Burhenn, formerly one-half of Georgie James.—Spencer Griffith