Ghostkeeper — Ghostkeeper

Ghostkeeper the band evidently have nothing to do with the 1981 Canadian horror film of the same name, but their music might be in the running for a replacement soundtrack to it. That movie — which took place in the Canadian Rockies — was about the Windigo, a cannibalistic spirit that appears in Algonquin mythology.

Founding band members Shane Ghostkeeper and Sarah Houle grew up in a northern Alberta Métis community, and seem familiar with isolation and a spiritual life. Like a lurking Windigo, there's something sinister hiding beneath the surface of this self-titled second album.

Sonically, Ghostkeeper is a little difficult to classify and may require a new genre: fun folk? Back porch freak roots? Try to imagine the serious folk leanings of the Great Lake Swimmers combined with the ridiculously energetic pop of California duo Eux Autres. Then add a heavy dose of eerie. The Two-Minute Miracles have come close to this amalgam from time to time.

Top track "Don't Come Knocking" stands ready to claim the title of hoedown song of the year.

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