Woodpigeon — Treasury Library Canada

These Calgary softies are thinking big with their sophomore release. They're thinking so big that they've tacked on a bonus CD of audible goodies titled Houndstooth Europa.

It's a lot of thatch to navigate through, but there are some quality nuggets to be heard amidst the brush. First and foremost is the plodding "Piano Pieces For Adult Beginners," which really sets the template early. It keeps things nice and precious, but also keeps the listener slightly uneasy with cryptic lyrics and slightly sad tempos. Now rinse and repeat, and you have a pair of albums.

The fact that Woodpigeon are such a soft touch can become a bit wearisome half-a-dozen songs in. But if you're already predisposed to Great Lake Swimmers, Belle And Sebastian and the like, you should have no problem stomaching both albums in one sitting.

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