Audio By Carbonatix
The debut album from Saskatoon, which features Paul DeHaven (Paper Bird, Eye and the Arrow) and Jess Webb, has an almost utilitarian quality — and that’s not a bad thing. The tranquil sentimentality and subtle psychedelia of these stretched-out instrumentals would be a nice accompaniment to a languid yoga session or a puzzles-by-the-fire autumn night. And while many of the tracks stretch past eight minutes, Saskatoon does contain some variety, especially on “It Shines by Itself,” with its attention-grabbing backward loops and effects, and “This Is a Fruit,” which delivers an upbeat piano/clap rhythm that almost distracts from the album’s pastoral tone but ultimately maintains it as it cycles around in a hypnotic loop. Fans of Jon Brion or Denver’s own Roger Green will enjoy this new outfit’s ability to conjure experimental yet accessible melodies that humbly seduce with a narcotic buzz.
Will you step up to support Westword this year?
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
