The Eastern Sea’s album “Plague,” released last month, is one of my favorite records released this year. The album’s biggest strength is the voice of frontman and founder Matt Hines. Oddly familiar yet totally unique, haunting yet strikingly uplifting, Hines’ voice takes the listener on a lush and winding journey. The ornate instrumentation serves as a perfect complement, and the result is just a fantastic listen. The Eastern Sea won’t be back in Austin until October’s Austin City Limits Festival, but Hines will perform a solo set July 18th at the Mohawk. “The Line,” the final track on “Plague,” is streaming below. – Josh Johnson
