When he isn't penning solo albums, Rocky Votolato is the singer/guitarist for churning indie rockers Waxwing, which includes his younger brother, Cody (Blood Brothers). On his solo joints, Votolato channels the desperation of Chris Carrabba (without the mythic self-pity) and the gentle roots amble of Rhett Miller (before his recent turn toward insipidness). Votolato's latest, Makers (Barsuk), is his best-written release yet, driven by tender, thoughtful ballads ("Wait Out the Days") and shuffling country-rock paeans ("Portland Is Leaving").