December

A promising debut

     

December is the debut album of KHW, a fascinating indie band. Melodic and lyrical, the band invokes sounds as diverse as Bruce Cockburn and Arcade Fire, with a subtle hint of Maritimes flavour. The arrangements are unique - the tenor sax in Maple Wine and The Curse of Odysseus, the cello and guitar interwoven in Parkdale Night - and remind me of a favourite dish with a new and unexpected spicing. And throughout the whole album, there's a juxtaposition of mellow and haunting melodies and driving, relentless rhythms. I can't decide if the songs are more suited to a house-party or a quiet, solo night in. That's likely the reason I can't can't tell you which is my favourite track: it depends so much upon my own mood when listening to the album. The more you listen to the album, the more you'll find in it.