Songs of Green Pheasant

The third release from Songs of Green Pheasant has been hailed as a technical advance on Duncan Sumpner’s previous recordings. The eight-track sound works well, ocasionally sounding like Broken Social Scene on a good day, or Spiritualized in the 90s. The long (up to eight minute) tracks blend seamlessly, creating a dreamlike ethereal quality that cocoons and soothes.

Some tracks, such as ‘Alex Drifting Alone’ are distinctly forgettable, though, and slip into background music. The vocals too, sound forced at points, as if Sumpner is trying to assert his position as the frontman of a band that could easily let the music speak for itself. (Shelley O’Neill)