Melting in the Dark [Audio CD] Wynn, Steve

Inventive Dream Syndicate leader turned inconsistent solo artist Steve Wynn's songwriting has grown increasingly assured and concise even as he's struggled to achieve an appropriate musical framework. He regains his momentum impressively on this 1996 release, downplaying the singer-songwriter focus of his first couple of solo efforts in favor of a more grounded variation on the darkly personal guitar rock that put his former band on the map. The result is Wynn's most compelling solo outing yet, thanks in no small part to the presence of Come as his backup band; their elegant lurch gives songs like "What We Call Love," "Drizzle," and the droney raga-rock title cut a no-nonsense kick that perfectly complements Wynn's playfully cerebral lyrics. --Scott Schinder