"It's a hard country we made," sings Horse Feathers leader Justin Ringle on the band's latest, Cynic's New Year. Given the polarization of recent politics, Ringle has a point. Then again, with Horse Feathers things are not always as glum as they seem: Doubts and ruminations on the passage of time have their place here, but more often than not, they give way to thoughtfully lifting arrangements instead of minor-key wallowing. Ringle and his revolving cast of collaborators explore elegant melodies, and that's a gift no matter what kind of country you call home. —Ashley Melzer