ALBUM REVIEW: “Garden of Arms” by Peter Wolf Crier

September 05. 2011 | By Alberto Santillan

Peter Wolf Crier
Garden of Arms
[Jagjaguwar]

Minnesota’s Peter Wolf Crier, another stellar addition to the Jagjaguwar (Bon Iver, Women, Okkervil River) return with their second album. Garden of Arms benefits from a renewed assurance; Brian Moen’s drum patterns are lovely and impressive musical compositions on their own, while guitarist/vocalist Brian Pisano exhibits a remarkable growth on his instrument. Their arrangements have grown more sophisticated (“Krishnamurti” is a fuzzy pop gem, built on a cascading guitar figure and Moen’s feverish kit work) and a new dedication of focus strengthens the proceedings. The sonics and song craft work hand in hand to creating a mood: a summery, richly evocative feeling handmade for headphones. “Hard Heart” is another highlight as well; the soaring lurch of the track could leave one feeling surprised by the relative few creating it. It’s another worthy effort from a band (and label) on a roll.

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