Hylozoists

Named after a book by Canadian architect Paul Chiasson, who theorizes that the Chinese discovered America before Columbus, L'Ile de Sept Villes sees Toronto orchestral pop super-group the Hylozoists correspondingly breaching new ground musically, reaching across immense landscapes with picturesque elements. Led by Seabright Nova Scotia native Paul Aucoin, the Hylozoists' third LP supplies the listener with as much parity, drama and narration without a solitary lyric in view. The placid and frigid leadoff track, "The Possibility of an Island," and grandiose, sample stuffed album closer "Soixante-Sept" remain worlds apart musically and thematically. Everything in between alternates between the regal, hip-hop-inspired beats of "Bas d'Or Lakes" and the mousey tunings of "Acadia-Acadia." Obviously concerned more with texture and modes than any particular sound, L'Ile de Sept Villes leaves the listener with a rewarding insight into Aucoin's mechanical and absorbing mind.