The Acorn - Glory Hope Mountain

http://www.myspace.com/theacorn
http://www.paperbagrecords.com/

Oh Canada, I think I love you?

So much good music seems to be coming out of Canada nowadays, it is quite literally cascading out of there like a flood.

Glory Hope Mountain is about, front man, Rolf Klausener’s Mother’s life. Reflecting on her childhood in Honduras within 12 vignettes. From being surrounded by natures beauty to the brutal devastation of a village flood. Most of these songs sound summery and breezy, reflecting the environment she would have been in. Played on a banjo, mandolin, drums, horns, electric and acoustic guitar, and what sounds like clanging bottles and bits of wood..

I think its fair to say that the Acorn are an experimental folk band with a tribal flame burning in their hearts, which makes them sound similar to Akron/Family and the Angels of Light, whilst retaining their own style. I also think, in the more delicate and tribal free tracks, there are glimmers of Califone (Glory) and in places Sufjan Stevens (Oh Napoleon) which is a no bad thing. These tracks cleanse the palette for the next juicy installment of primitive folk, giving the album a good flow. Its a consistent album, packed full of sincere stories and glorious music, that shouldn’t fail to impress. It has certainly impressed me.

On the final track ‘Lullaby’ goes “I will wash over you / I know your heart is true / little mountain of mine” sounds retrospective of the emotions Rolf may have experienced through the albums conception and this line sums up what Glory Hope Mountain is about.

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emusic / amazon

The Dodos - Visiter

The San Francisco based duo's new release ‘Visiter’ carries on nicely where the brilliant ‘Beware of the Maniacs’ left off. If you have never listened to that then I strongly recommend you do or at least try the track ‘Men’ which is a brilliant "men vs women" song. You can get a sample session on daytrotter.

I truly believe the Dodos are offering something fresh. It could be described as psych-folk-pop with a blues rock twang. Finger picked guitars, primitive stomping drum beats and lyrics that expose their delicate nature being pounded out with honesty. The results are outstanding. See for yourself...

http://www.dodosmusic.net/
http://www.dodosmusic.net/audio.html#
emusic / amazon

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Plants and Animals - Parc Avenue

Plants and Animals - Parc Avenue
Release Date: 25/03/08
Label: Secret City Records

http://www.myspace.com/plantsandanimals
http://www.plantsandanimals.ca

I love it when an album comes along and blind sides you, which is exactly what happened when I first listened to Parc Avenue. In fact, I haven’t quite got over the initial impact, it has totally dominated my music playlist for over a week now, I just can’t stop listening to it. As you may have already gathered, I like this album, I like it a lot. End of the gush-fest.

Fundamentally Plants and Animals are a Canadian Jam Band made up of three core members. But, don’t let the words Jam Band put you off, they are more than that - They offer a hybrid of rock, folk, a pinch of jazz and a dollop of well crafted pop. They even roll out into an “Extra Golden afro-beat riddim” on closing track “Guru”. What makes them unique to most jam bands is there songs are not aimless or drawn out for the sake of it and they maintain the all important pop staple of the verse into chorus hooks.

"...the beauty of the earth and all the wonders that inhabits it..."

The album opens with the gospel sounding line “What’s gonna happen to you / you have woke up too soon / and found the world rearranged / and now your feelings have changed / say good bye to before / you‘re not welcome anymore…” could this be a comment on Religion or the lack of belief in this Apocalyptic era? Maybe? But, they go on to express that “we are all apart of one another…” and we should appreciate the beauty of the earth and all the wonders that inhabits it, before it’s too late. I agree.

These guys know how to have fun and their lyrics are mainly tongue ‘n cheek comments. At one point they can’t contain there laughter as they build up into a repetition of an increasingly funny pronunciation of the God fearing word “Mercy”. What’s wrong in taking the piss out of life, if anything, that’s how everyone should live, right? You get the sense that they really enjoy what they do and if that’s all that’s left, then, so be it.

Parc Avenue is a very pleasurable listen - Smiles guaranteed.

Sample Tracks:
Feedback in the Field
Faerie Dance

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Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals

Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals
Release date: 05/11/2007
Label: we are free

http://www.yeasayer.net/

Saharan inspired indie that sandblasts the ears in a gentle wave. It's all refreshingly different. Tribal sounds with an 80's edge. They are kind of like a more accessible Tinariwen - blended into the likes of Fleetwood Mac or Peter Gabriel - Grab a grain!
Check out the excellent 2080 and Sunrise

Their UK tour kicks off tomorrow:
05.03.08 - Wed - Birmingham, UK @ Bar Academy
06.03.08 - Thu - London, UK @ ICA
08.03.08 - Sat - Glasgow, Scotland @ King Tuts
09.03.08 - Sun - Manchester, UK @ Night & Day
10.03.08 - Mon - London, UK

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