After the experimental rock group Test Icicles disbanded in 2006, Devonté Hynes launched Lightspeed Champion as his own folk-driven project. The new venture allowed him to focus on his love for pop melodies, a fondness that began with Hynes' childhood love of Broadway musicals and, years later, helped sweeten Test Icicles' spastic sound. After writing a batch of new material, Hynes flew to Nebraska to collaborate with Saddle Creek's resident producer, Mike Mogis. Backed by an informal band that included members of Cursive, Tilly and the Wall, and the Faint, he recorded a numbe...