Out of this Spark

Timber Timbre Self-titled (Out of This Spark)

Timber Timbre is Toronto artist Taylor Kirk, who seeks out the spookiest side of blues music by recording in remote barns and filming Blair Witch-style videos. For his second album, Timber Timbre steps several steps closer to the sunshine and into a proper recording studio. Although by bringing everything into a clearer focus, Kirk has only become even creepier. "I was a spook for you/ another ghoul," he sings. The organs, autoharps, plunky quarter-note pianos and minimal percussion only enhance the hushed yet tense electric guitars. One isn't sure whether or not to take comfort in his swoony vocals, which are drenched in reverb and could easily soundtrack a David Lynch film -- specifically Blue Velvet, where one can picture Dean Stockwell singing along. Lonely violins and occasional angelic backing vocals make this a perfect accompaniment to the "late-night basement séance" he sings of.

Timber Timbre also plays at the Albion Jan. 16.

Original URL : http://news.guelphmercury.com/arts/article/427173