Seraphina Lotkhamnga on November 10th, 2011

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Sometimes all the knobs, switches, levers and keys collectively yield a sound just as complicated as the set-up. Not so with Oakland-based band James & Evander, who transform typically staccato keys and pedals into a warm, shimmering melodicism that’s a little reminiscent of Dntel/the Postal Service or the One AM Radio without being as twitchy. As their name suggests, this is a duo, but neither Adam Myatt and Glenn Jackson are James or Evander. “Constellating” may also be their second record (in addition to two EPs), but it’s also the first collection of tunes to feature vocals. References to stars or not, James & Evander are as subdued as they are surreal.

||| Download: “Constellating”

||| Live: James & Evander play Saturday at Lot 1 Cafe.