Ghostkeeper

Calgary, AB-based band Ghostkeeper have pieced together a sophomore effort that's both temporally disparate and timelessly invigorating. However, while the mishmash of plucky tunes and cutthroat rock montages makes for an exciting jaunt through the record, the boisterous folk, blues, psychedelic pop soup can be a bit trying, at times. Of course, the band's off-kilter, experimental music swings will surely be welcomed by new and old fans, but considering the beautiful traditional music foundation underneath all the lace, glitter and popsicle sticks, it's a shame they just didn't leave the quirks out of some songs. Album opener "Tea And Cree Talking" is a fine and dandy, Mississippi blues-sounding number. "By Morning" is an upbeat roots track featuring the mysterious vocals of both Shane Ghostkeeper and Sarah Houle. But then you get halfway through "Don't Come Knocking" and the stitching starts to unravel, as the songs become extra perky and offbeat. I like my folk raw and real rather than eccentric and spastic, but Ghostkeeper is an album that will definitely keep your ears guessing.