"Portland, Oregon based singer-songwriter Laura Gibson possesses a voice that expresses in childlike wonder the experiences of someone haunted by a much older soul. Beasts of Seasons is split into two parts: Part I: Communion Songs and Part II: Funeral Songs, with each section reflecting the innocence and/or experience necessary to bring these songs to full fruition. Producer Tucker Martine hauled out the analog tape machines and a slew of guests from the Decemberists' Nate Query to solo artists Laura Veirs and Shelley Short, avant-garde violist, and composer Eyvind Kang add their finishing touches. Yet, it's the stillness and austerity of ""Funeral Song"" that best expresses Gibson's somber worldview. It's here that one can sense the deep, foreboding sense of loss that lingers around her every note. The horns gently accentuate in spots, but this is Gibson's game to play out. ""Where Have All Your Good Words Gone"" searches for a love that dissipates in the air. ""Sweet Deception"" admits to the mind games people play to move on and ""Glory"" suggests a redemption that's close but not necessarily within reach."