Rock 'n' roll has rarely been as smart, soulful or satisfying than it has in the hands of The Posies.

During an on/off career that's stretched across four decades, the Seattle-rooted outfit, led by musical polymaths Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, have shaped and re-shaped their muse, creating one of the more compelling catalogues in modern pop.

Their anticipated new album 'Solid States' - their 8th - marks dramatic changes in the lives, the music and the evolution of the band.