The Heavy Circles

After 16 years of being married to Paul Simon, it’s about time Edie Brickell got a good record out of the union. But the Simon she’s teamed with for the Heavy Circles isn’t the hubby; it’s her 35-year-old stepson, Harper Simon, who proves a compelling musical foil for the Dallas-born singer-songwriter. With Brickell on vocals and Simon on guitar and production, the duo hit on a moody indie-rock sound that’s a lot closer to the Cowboy Junkies than the quirky, trippy fare Brickell trades in with the New Bohemians. It’s also a good deal edgier than anything on her 2003, Charlie Sexton-produced solo album, Volcano. At times it feels a little too cool for its own good, lacking the warmth and whimsy that made those first two Bohemians records so indelibly charming. But overall, Brickell wears her new sonic wardrobe well. Nudged by Simon to the edge of her comfort zone, she sounds emboldened throughout The Heavy Circles, particularly on the darkly seductive opener “Henri” and spunky rockers like “Ready to Play” and “Dynamite Child.