Don't judge this one by its cover: While Frontier Ruckus' name may perfectly conjure rowdy and raw roots stompers, the quartet's carefully considered moments of melancholy contradict such assumptions. Frontman Matthew Milia's warble and introspection meet subtle, sparsely arranged instrumentation that relies on indie rock inventiveness—check the baroque accents of horn and singing saw—as often as folk or alt-country conventions. Chapel Hill troupe Magnolia Collective puts members of Gambling The Muse, The Pneurotics and Red Collar to work on twangy tunes that range from jangling toe-tappers to brooding, gothic-tinged ruminations. —Spencer Griffith