Edison Woods

The sounds on Edison Woods' debut self-titled disc conjure up rather dark and sensual tones with windswept vocals, sparse, echoed guitars, and odd electronic hums. Though the band's harmonies resemble the swelling tunefulness of Low, Edison Woods' sound is slightly more developed in their use of strings and keys. Where the bands most closely match wits is in the lush interplay of heavenly vocals and fine guitar. Julia Frodahl's voice is at times frighteningly delicate, as though it would crack at any moment. To be sure, it never does; it only reaches forward in the softest, most intense manner. Numerous poetic references abound, characterizing the work as highly literate and contemplative. And the lyrics maintain an emotional distance from the music itself, letting the feelings that the sounds evoke overstep any interpretations the words may undergo. A number of the tracks sound quite familiar as the disc carries on, but regardless there are still a few outstanding ones. "City Lights" instantly nods to the Mekons' Journey to the End of the Night, where the Mekons drove though a mist of electronics and country-esque twang. "Vivian" is also beautifully eerie in its execution, its minor-scale melody a haunting experience. Where the band melds their knack for mysterious melody with Frodahl's provocative voice is where Edison Woods truly excels. This record is a reserved and gorgeous first outing for this New York City combo.