One of indie rock’s undisputed early figureheads, Sebadoh took quite a hiatus after its 1999 self-titled farewell LP. Lou Barlow had started Sebadoh while he was a member of the first edition of Dinosaur Jr. in the late ‘80s, so it seems fitting that Sebadoh’s rebirth should follow Dinosaur Jr.’s own successful reboot. (Barlow is now playing in both bands.) Secret is an astonishing return to form after some 14 years away, recapturing the essence of what Barlow and musical partner Jason Loewenstein crafted in Sebadoh Phase I: music that's loose-jointed, rough-edged, emotive, and memorable. Seemingly inspired by midlife crises (like a divorce), Barlow’s songs still pulse with the lonely heartsickness that also informed his Folk Implosion work. “Keep the Boy Alive” is a wrenching tale of “a deep, abiding love” on the ropes. “Arbitrary High” pleads for space, or perhaps peace, while classic Sebadoh riffage buoys Barlow’s deflated tones. Loewenstein tries his hand at countrified twang with great results on “I Don’t Mind,” and “All Kinds” has a hint of math-rock nerdiness, served with crunch. Drummer Bob D’Amico is right at home. Life is good.