The Chicago group Dolly Varden produces rootsy, atmospheric tunes laced with rock, country, and soul influences. The husband and wife songwriting team of Diane Christiansen and Stephen Dawson first came to prominence in cow-punkers Stump the Host. The two founded Dolly Varden in 1995, recording their debut album, Mouthful of Lies, in Christiansen's converted art studio and releasing it on their own Mid-Fi label. After building up an avid following in Chicago and the Midwest, the group signed with New York indie label Evil Teen for 1998's sophomore effort, The Thrill of Gravity...