Findings and Gray Areas, the second full-length from D.C.-based Thorngate, was completed in 2004. Both more plugged in and more subdued than his first effort, it manages to sustain a consistent vibe--moody, slightly dissonant, yet generally lush--while moving among a variety of compositional styles. It brings to mind elements of Rufus Wainwright, Yo la Tengo, and Jeff Buckley--while also drawing heavily from traditional and classic country elements. Thorngate's guitar work remains interesting but has moved from showy acoustic solos toward reverb- and delay-heavy, parts-oriented electric work. Pianos are prominent--vintage EP, rickety old upright, jangly toy piano, a prepared baby grand. Airy pedal steel and electronic loops wander in and out of the mix, and the rhythm section is anchored by upright bass. The arrangements are marked primarily by a warm tension between swirling, droning instruments and traditional three-part harmony. They feature Jason Toth (The Zincs, Manishevitz), Ed Hodges (Jake Armerding), Charles Kim (Pinetop Seven, Boxhead Ensemble, Sinister Luck Ensemble), Austin songwriter Nicolette Manglos, and Thorngate's brothers Josiah and Jon. The lyrics are playful, vivid, and hard to pin down. Musically and lyrically, Thorngate's songwriting embraces ambiguity and paradox while generally avoiding the overly serious and the willfully obscure. Brian Porick (producer, engineer), Steve Thorngate (vocals, guitars, pianos, accordion, banjo), Ed Hodges (upright bass, viola), Jason Toth (drums), Charles Kim (pedal steel), Nicolette Manglos (vocals), Josiah Thorngate (vocals), Jon Thorngate (vocals), Andrew Gill (album art).