This is a deceptively cute album, its outward quirkiness initially distracting from the extremely accomplished musicianship that’s lurking just below the surface. Much like that strange girl you knew in primary school who struck awe amongst bullies with her freakish mastery of the recorder. With songs about white glue, shooting stars, and leaving milk outside to woo a potential lover, this album vibrates and glows with wondrously cracked energy. Perhaps sometime in the near future, tiny schoolchildren will be heard singing these songs in choirs, assemblies, and camp sing-a-longs, striking fearsome awe wherever they go. Until then, I expect Phil Elvrum will find himself covering a Chris Yang tune – if he knows what’s good for him, that is. (Karyn Bonham)
CD, 127 Grange St., Guelph, ON, N1E 2V3, www.burntoack.ca, www.untitled.nu/yang