NO GHOST showcases the levity and spontaneity of The Acorn’s celebrated live shows, all the while highlighting Rolf Klausener’s literate and vivid lyrics. Swathed in Talk Talk-esque spaciousness and atmospheric feedback reminiscent of early Yo La Tengo, NO GHOST is a fitting soundtrack to both the tranquillity of the country, and the sodium-lamp lit romance of city nights.

Since the release of GLORY HOPE MOUNTAIN, the Ottawa-based band have toured Europe and North America extensively and been selected for the long-list of both the Polaris Music Prize and the Uncut Music Award. Greatly respected by their peers, The Acorn embarked on a number of high-profile support tours in early 2009 with the likes of Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Calexico and Elbow, after Guy Garvey named HOPE GLORY MOUNTAIN his favourite album on 2008.

Having given GLORY HOPE MOUNTAIN a favourable review, I followed it up with another when I saw the band perform live, supporting Elbow. In fact I was very, very impressed, and commented that the band’s set-list was way superior to Elbow’s who’s opened with a whimper and closed on a whimper. I seldom take supplied album release background material too seriously, but I have to say on this occasion it’s dangerously close to the truth.

The album opens with one of its standout tracks, ‘Cobbled From Dust’ which opens in stripped-down acoustic style and relatively quietly. But before too long it takes on gas and screams ahead to become a melodic, lyrical and performance blast, with Klausener’s voice reaching for the skies in those delectable choruses. ‘Restoration’ is an up-tempo rootsy and rocky song that gathers up speed and instruments as it progresses, like a bloody combine harvester. ‘Misplaced’ takes a darker, stripped-down route with one of the most expressive vocals on the album, and drums/drum sticks making a special contribution to the song’s ambience and adventure.

‘I Made The Law’ is another dark, reflective piece with quite brilliant solo guitar passages dominating verses and choruses. I will play this on my radio show for the guitar segments alone! It’s another standout track. ‘Crossed Wires’ fairly rushes along atop a driving bass rhythm, while ‘On The Line’ is contemplative alt-country of the most moving kind, and is a song one is compelled to listen to with all the attention one can muster. It’s another standout. ‘Bobcat Gold Wraith’ is a prime example of how the band has created an album of diverse sounds aided by the most astute production. The song is highly original but also offers a monster melody to keep you interested. Instrumentally, it offers a stunning cornucopia of sounds that explode out of your speakers. It’s another winner folks!

The inventiveness continues with the fractured sounds of ‘No Ghost.’ There’s stabbing guitars, improv drums, brass flourishes and much more - it’s a screamer of a track. ‘Slippery When Wet’ opens with gorgeous banjo/ukulele notes and is joined by magical solo and backing vocals. It’s a gentle flowing narrative that ends with some delightful violin passages. Closer, ‘Kindling To Cremation’, is the most stripped-down song here with its scraping guitar strings and swaying vocals almost sounding as though the guys have done their job and are now going to relax for a spell.

This is indeed a very different sound and vibe to GLORY HOPE MOUNTAIN, and is far more adventurous and diverse. The instrumental arrangements and performances are excellent and play a key role in making this such a special album.

4.5/5