If Neko Case had just one word to describe her first solo album in seven years, she would settle on “formidable.”

Fair enough. Writers have twisted themselves into knots trying to describe Case's sound — “gothic Americana” is one iteration — yet it's generally a thrill ride through shifting tones and tempos, anchored by her vivid imagery and titanic voice.

On the “Neon Grey Midnight Green” album, Case was intent on inviting a large number of musicians to join her, and their power is evident. She employs a 16-piece orchestra. Add in 10 other listed players (including herself) and that makes for 26 musicians on the album-ending song “Match-Lit” alone.

“I wanted to remind people of what it sounded like to have a large group of people playing together,” Case said. “That doesn't mean I have

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