Junip

Add Date: April 23

Artist: Junip

Album: Junip

Label: Mute

Genre: Folk rock

Comments: Following the success of Junip frontman José González in his solo career, it is somewhat astounding that Junip ever released an album. Formed in 1998, the band did not release a record until 2010's Fields. Junip sees the band returning with a distinct goal to prevent themselves from being pigeonholed as what Pitchfork calls "aural wallpaper: music for making dinner or babies."

Opener "Line of Fire", which although beautifully rendered, falls distinctly into this very category. "Suddenly" winds its unique Spanish guitar and driving bass themes quite so suddenly as an obvious divergence from the relatively "nice and soft" opener. The album flexes layering muscles that do not make themselves evident at a first listen. While sonically complex, Junip sounds so simple amidst its West African drum beats, pan flute winds, and bossa nova bass lines. This is an album that warrants a close listen.

Tracks 2, 1, 3, 4 and 5 are the key to the album's heart.