TIMBER TIMBRE – S/T

Timber Timbre’s self-titled album is one of those outings that would best be described as the soundtrack to a film that’s yet to be made. A movie that would most likely be directed by David Lynch. The music is moody, but quirky in a way that makes it playful even when it’s talking about decomposing bodies. It also plays best top to bottom, as in it resists singles. There’s a progression from track to track, and while individually they can stand alone, I’ve found selecting one out of sequence takes away from the Timber experience.

The band is Taylor Kirk, with various and sundry others built around that core. His guitar work is simple, but filled with the kind of intent that makes everything else in his compositions pop out. And the everything else? Well, it includes pianos that sound just barely in tune in a great honky-tonk twang kind of way, maudlin-but-lovely violins, comfortably creepy organs, and wood blocks clicking some of the coolest percussion since a glockenspiel. There’s even a choral backing for “We’ll Find Out” that makes you feel like you’re tent-revival witnessing for folk music instead of Jesus.

Recommended for a mellow evening with beer and friends, outdoors watching the sunset. Happily accepting your eventually demise. With smiles on your faces, of course.

(Arts&Crafts, 460 Richmond St. W #402, Toronto, ON M5V 1Y1 Canada)