Peter Broderick

As the title indicates, this is a decidedly lo-fi release from Portland-based singer/songwriter/composer Peter Broderick. At just 22, he's quite the prodigy, having already worked with the likes of M. Ward, Horse Feathers and Efterklang. 4 Track Songs is comprised of early material he recorded to tape using only a cheap microphone, and while the sonic fidelity may leave a little to be desired, the understated charm of the record wins out. The album certainly defies easy categorization, featuring a mélange of instrumental folk, ambient and neo-classical styles. Satie and the Enos (both Roger and Brian) can be cited as reference points for the short instrumental pieces, while the singer-songwriter-styled tunes ("Three Cats" and "untitled #2") have an Elliott Smith feel. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, Broderick uses piano, guitar, banjo, violin, mandolin and cello on these minimalist gems. Lovely stuff.