Timber Timbre

Jul 15, 2009 Timber Timbre By Michele Yamamoto

Timber Timbre’s Taylor Kirk has joined the ranks of so many songwriters by working with a changing cast of musicians under a collaborative name. His self-titled album debuted earlier this year on Out of this Spark but, after signing to fellow Canadian-based Arts & Crafts, the album is set to be reissued in Canada and internationally released over the summer.

Hinting at influences ranging from Randy Newman to psychedelic folk rock, Timber Timbre is a woodsy sort of experience. Kirk’s heavily reverbed vocals and sparse arrangements offer a sense of expanse and wilderness, emotionally and environmentally.

“Demon Host” opens the album as an understated folk song. Its simplicity in instrumentation and harmony blossoms into something more haunting before evaporating, leaving only quiet dissonance. True to its title, it seems the song is the introduction of the corruption that is present in the rest of the album. Each subsequent song has an eerie stain to it, whether it be an unsettling percussive part, a dog barking, or a darkly inflected line.

Timber Timbre is a stirring presence. Taylor’s songs aren’t overstated or overly ambitious-they’re spacious and thoughtful. High relief rather than photographic. Tangible.

www.myspace.com/timbertimbre

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