Personnel: Laura Veirs (vocals, guitar); Karl Blam (vocals, guitar, saxophone, keyboards); Steve Moore (vocals, euphonium, piano, keyboards, bells); Tucker Martine (vocals, drums, percussion); Sarah Peasall, Todd Dixon, Cedar Hill Choir, Ericka Chambers, Ashley Mofield, Michael Peasall, Laurie Adams-Klein, Billy Blackwood, Sarah Valley (vocals); Bill Frisell (electric guitar); Eyvind Kang (viola); Keith Lowe (upright bass, electric bass).

Audio Mixer: Tucker Martine.

Recording information: Cash Cabin, Hendersonville, TN; Flora, Seattle, WA.

Photographer: Autumn DeWilde.

For her sixth record--aptly titled SALTBREAKERS--Laura Viers crafts a 12-song cycle with every number either lyrically or sonically referencing the ocean. Songs expand and withdraw with a mesmerizing, tidal effect that draws the listener in from the first measure. Viers's impeccable production choices and versatile, stylish vocal delivery are enrapturing, and spike the proceedings with enough aural hooks to keep the oceanic tone from ever getting tired. Featuring star axeman Bill Frisell, SALTBREAKERS is an easy-on-the-ears stunner.

Q (p.122) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Subtle electronic beats and sea-shanty backing vocals combine with Veir's eerie poise and imagery that evokes a salty American landscape."

No Depression (p.86) - "Sporting an unaffected, conversational voice, she brings a spot-on warmth to arrangements..."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.106) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[S]inuously melodic songs in which brass, Mellotrons, bass and drums merge into a warm, seamless compress of sound."