Midwestern alternative rock group Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s return with “Rot Gut, Domestic,” a stomach-churning album. Frontman and lead vocalist Richard Edwards wrote the album over the span of a month, while weathering a vitriolic stomach ailment. The songs reflect Edwards’ sentiments of frustration. With dark lyrics like “I hate my friends,” it’s clear Edwards has soured on producing love-oriented ditties. Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s has moved away from its older chamber pop and folk-infused sound, similar to The Decmberists, in favor of harder rock with distorted guitar riffs, closer to a watered-down, apathetic Black Keys. ”Rot Gut, Domestic” may be a departure for the band, but it contains several surprising elements, including undertones of old Western music that make it comforting had-a-bad-day listening.
Grade: C+
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