Siskiyou
Nervous (Constellation Records)
Ever had a turbulent flight through the most magnificent, picturesque, cloud-covered sky? I like to call that feeling "ambient anxiety", and Siskiyou's third studio album, Nervous, evokes this very same feeling: sheer awe-inspired tension.
Siskiyou are a self-identified "Northern Gothic" four-piece from Vancouver, led by Colin Huebert (formerly of Great Lake Swimmers) and accompanied by Erik Arnesen, Peter Carruthers, Shaunn Watt and Andrew Lee. Known for their telepathic musicianship and terrestrial soundscapes, Siskiyou brings out the dark side of folk through stacked acoustic guitars and misty mystic imagery. If you haven't had a chance to hear them yet, Nervous should prove to be great place to start.
Opening track "Deserter" begins with what sounds like a demented and hypnotized children's choir, provided by the St. James Music Academy Senior Choir. Echoes of “Push The Sky Away”-era Nick Cave come to mind. Meanwhile, "Oval Window" brings us a rollicking acoustic guitar paired with somehow sinister vocals, creating an ironically upbeat addition.
In the band's press release, Heubert said he recently developed a relentless, chronic ringing in his ears, as well as anxiety attacks. As a result, he had to explore a gentler, quieter approach to songwriting. Nervous is a lyrical exploration into anxiety and loss, providing us with that wonderful juxtaposition of total stress and total bliss. For those who choose the window seat...
Rating: ★★★★
