Majical Cloudz: Impersonator

The bones are showing on Impersonator and that's no bad thing. Montreal's Devon Welsh and his collaborator, Matthew Otto, create a wash of music that is sparse, austere and streamlined. For Welsh, who cites Arthur Russell and Elliott Smith as influences, the beauty and emotion of his lyrics and vocals are best served without embellishment to distract the listener. It means that songs such as Bugs Don't Buzz and Childhood's End come with minimalist contours and looped, droney noises as the counterpoint to hisplaintive voice. When rhythm and depth are added,as on the richly layered Turns Turns Turns, it only serves to emphasise the bravery of what Welsh is seeking to do elsewhere. It's a strong, singular affair. facebook.com/majicalcloudz

Download: Bugs Don't Buzz Silver Rings