The Wooden Sky — If I Don't Come Home, You'll Know I'm Gone

The Wooden Sky seem to be on many best-band-you've-never-heard-of lists, but that status should significantly change when word about If I Don't... starts to spread.

The participant list alone should sufficiently hint at this album's power — it was produced by Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and includes contributions from members of Ohbijou, Mother Mother, Forest City Lovers, Thee Silver Mount Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band, $100 and The Mars Volta.

The Toronto four-piece — formerly known as Friday Morning's Regret — have crafted a slightly less boisterous affair than their last disc, When Lost At Sea. If I Don't... predominantly features gospel-tinged roots rock, but be sure not to mistake The Wooden Sky for a wimpy outfit. They quite competently tread the soft harmonic waters populated by the likes of Fleet Foxes, and can also step confidently into Elliott Brood-style countrified jams.

At both ends of that spectrum, the songs on If I Don't... are immaculately arranged and lyrically dense. This is one of the best Canadian creations of the year, thus far, and will definitely be more than enough to tide you over until the new Avett Brothers record drops.

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