We all have that go-to album that’s poised to offer instant comfort in times of necessary reflection. Heart to Elk is an excellent listen on those days when you feel in-between worlds and are in search of something to fit that otherwise indescribable mood. Building upon sensitive lyrics and experimental effects, this latest release from Point Juncture, WA offers a non-threatening marriage of acoustic and electronica with speckles of dreamy pop vocals (provided by drummer Amanda Spring) thrown in. Be sure to hold on tight while listening to “Fleet & Small” unless you want to get carried away with its whimsical sounds. At the same time, you’ll find it impossible not to wriggle about to the drenched-in-sunshine “Sick On Sugar.” The album peaks at “Stray Bear” with its far-out opening that showcases a frazzled guitar paired with smooth drums and cool bass. Who wouldn’t want to get lost in this band’s lighter-than-air sound?
-- Margot Buermann [February 9, 2009]
