Pick a Piper

It's often easy to hear the stylistic similarities of a collaborating musician in their myriad projects. Fans of Caribou, then, should gravitate towards the polyrhythmic, multi-layered percussion of Caribou live drummer Brad Weber on Pick a Piper. Weber's side-project, and self-titled debut, is a bit of a departure from the digital EPs released years prior. The organic dance and acoustic bass of the former have been replaced by electronic percussion, synths and samples, though this latest release still manages to root itself in a natural, atmospheric setting. For all its percussive exploration, however, Pick a Piper falls a bit flat. While single "All Her Colours" is notable, along with "Cinders and Dust" — two tracks that blithely blend synth experimentation and organic sounds — the often-mediocre vocal accompaniments distract from the overall listening experience. A distinct shift in tone midway through the LP also throws listeners for a loop — the rushed, frenetic pace feeling awkward and out of place. While it's a great attempt at a first album, Pick a Piper's tune could have been a bit sweeter.