Having made a close study of Montreal (by way of Valleyfield) musician/band David and the Woods on their shreddingly psych’ed out 2011 album The Peace Den , I expected some growth and adventurousness on his next offering. This (kind of) eponymous release does so in spades while tightening up production and focus. All the songs breathe easily and breezily, impeccable harmonies floated atop some Prekop – worthy summer jams. There’s lots of clean guitar pop which turns in ever-surprising ways from jangly Apples In Stereo vibes on opener “Scaphandre” to the Meddle – era Floyd drifty opener of “Je Suis Mort”. The tunes are sublimely balanced, well taped and unified for all their ingratiating bedroom and jamspace flavor. The album moves through many well-curated moments, intimate acoustic boy/girl harmonies on the Brazilian Portuguese ode “Alma Leve”, catchy centerpiece hooks of “Feu Follet” or the all out GBV rocker of “Terradestruction”.
There is a gorgeous hue to this album, a very conscious shading and nuance that draws equal inspiration from Rick White era Can-rock as it does the angelic harmonic layering of Harmonium. The fresh and off the floor vibe of the release as a whole was no small task, considering all the instruments on the recording are played by David himself. A stunning and deep new album from a real musical talent.
