On their second album,
Appendix Out's lineup changed dramatically, with lead singer Ali Roberts adding Tom Crossley, Gareth Eggie, Dave Elcock, and Kate Wright to the fold. Roberts' wavering vocals continue to be central to the group's appeal, with the addition of Wright on backing vocals adding to the aural allure. The addition of flutes to the band's already rich instrumentation also came with the four new members. The band again creates a group of immensely elegant songs, from the harmonic "The Grey Havens" to the romantic "Row Upstream." The intricate guitar work on the disc-closer "Arcane Lore" adds to the back-porch feel of most of the songs on the nine-song disc. Roberts' sparse, lyrical narratives serve to tell often-painful tales of the human condition. The album is one of a graceful artist solidifying his style and executing it effortlessly. Daylight Saving was recorded in August 1998 at Airport House Studios. Drag City Records released Daylight Saving in 1999. ~ Stephen Cramer