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| The Acorn - Glory Hope Mountain |
| Written by Anna Lord | |
  A transporting musical odyssey Glory Hope Mountain is the debut UK release for Canada’s The Acorn, though the band has previously released two albums on their home turf. In 2006, front man Rolf Klausener recorded a series of interviews with his mother, Gloria Esperanza Montoya, some of which can be heard faintly in the background of Sister Margaret on this album. The interviews inspired a series of songs about Gloria’s life, a touching tribute from her son, which became Glory Hope Mountain. This ambitious musical biography chronicles Gloria’s abusive childhood in Honduras and her escape to begin a new life in Canada. “Concept albums” run the risk of lacking anything beyond the novelty of the idea to which they are pegged. Fortunately The Acorn deftly avoid this trap and the album bears no sign of gimmickry. Quite the opposite in fact, it is exceptionally sincere and Klausener’s emotional investment is obvious. The lyrics are such that the narrative does not immediately jump out, but knowing it is there adds extra depth and poignancy as you listen. The narrative is impressionistic rather than literal and it is this that prevents the album being a vanity project – yes, it is ostensibly about Klausener’s mother, but it is also about journeys and landscape and storytelling. Klausener embraces his mother’s heritage and the cultural traditions of Honduras, using elaborate drumming rhythms and chanting to convey her journey. The Acorn employ a myriad of instruments, ukuleles and marimbas are combined with guitar and piano. Well-crafted indie folk reminiscent of Iron and Wine, interspersed with moments of crescendo and poetically visual lyrics form the basis of this record, on to which hints of Central American rhythms are sprinkled, though the sound remains firmly rooted in Canadian soil. Flood, pt 1 stands out as one of the best tracks on the album, handclaps and layers of chaotic rhythm clatter along carrying all debris in its path. Crooked Legs begins softly before taking flight with brass and a marching, determined beat, full of movement and purpose as the journey progresses – “I’m watching the road with two young eyes to guide me… the fireflies fade as the city lights find me” – a truly uplifting track full of promise and wonder. The middle of the album meanders, almost losing its way, the moments of brilliance in some of the earlier tracks are not evident throughout. Plateau Ramble brings us back on course, a pleasantly unadorned track in which Klausener’s voice is more relaxed. A sense of peace pervades the final track Lullaby (Mountain), featuring Ohbijou’s Casey Mecija’s captivating voice in a gentle, lilting tune. The Acorn’s rich palette of sounds earned them a place on the long list for the prestigious Polaris Award this year. Glory Hope Mountain is undoubtedly a noble undertaking, but at times the ambition of the project is bigger than the music itself. The Acorn’s sound is deliberately down played, as if they are placing restraints on themselves in an effort to control every note and unnaturally rein in their musical instincts. It will be interesting to see if they loosen their grip on the reins for future releases. Release date: 20/10/08 Artist website: www.myspace.com/theacorn Label: Bella Union  (0) comments - discuss in the forum |
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