Precious Fathers

Imagine what would have happened if Broken Social Scene had decided to remain an instrumental band for their second album and you have an inkling of what the debut release from Vancouver’s Precious Fathers sounds like.

The similarities to BSS don’t end there. The Fathers are also a super group whose members play in Destroyer, Loscil, Sparrow and The Battles. They also bear a striking resemblance to Do Make Say Think, another Social Scene appendage, particularly on ‘Gallant Foot’.

Comparisons aside, the disc’s nine tracks definitely stand on their own. The album unfolds at a leisurely pace, creating rich soundscapes that evoke images of desolate prairies (‘Prairie Wind’) and snowy peaks (‘Snowshoes’).

The tense undercurrent that informs ‘Red Norvo’ is somewhat at odds with the mellow vibe the rest of the album exudes. At the same time, it doesn’t sound completely out of place. The dramatic and abrupt climax provides a much-needed jolt after being lulled into a relaxed state by the other tracks.While it can be repetitive and does tend to drag in spots, they have created something unique by playing instrumental indie rock tunes that straddle the line between arty pretentiousness and crowd-pleasing accessibility.