Colin Cowan & the Elastic Stars - Eye of Winter (2014)

"The latest edition to Vancouver's freak-pop renaissance is in the form of Cowan's Eye of Winter: A woody, warm, and wonderful record featuring nine tracks of odd-folk psychedelia.

It is the second of a four-season-themed series for Cowan, who moonlights as a member of Dada Plan, Dan Mangan's band, and Woodpigeon (to name a few). Opener "Whispers To Rockefeller" has an earthy swing to it, and Cowan, along with backup vocalist Jenn Bojm, begin in spooky unison, followed by Cowan's quivering whisper-voice, opening up to the occasional growl. "Livid In A Cave" has a slap-back grit that would easily sound at home on John Lennon's Mind Games, while "I'd Rather Not Follow" mashes up rock and roll, blues, and a beautifully utilized omnichord, keepin' it weird.

While at times his whisper retreats too far into the forest, at his best he's a starchild, calling all freaks to the movable feast."