Possum Moods - Northern Times (2018)

Possum Moods is a trans-Pacific indie supergroup starring Mia Schoen of such revered Australian indie bands as Sleepy Township, Huon, New Estate, Cannanes, and more, and Jen Turrell from Boyracer, Rabbit in Red, and more outfits.

Northern Times was recorded over a 3-day get-together, with Mia and Jen trading off vocal duties over the 12 contemplative and bittersweet to breezy indie pop-framed songs. The sweet and wistfully reflective to upbeat vocals delivering thoughtful lyrics are surrounded by sparkling guitar strum and chime, subdued to running bass lines, cymbals shimmer, and kicky drum hits.

The interplay of vocal harmonies is key to the the charm of the lo-fi, but highly enjoyable tunes. Several voices sing and sing-talk simultaneously, sometimes twinning (or tripling!), but most times contrasting in intonation and pitch, creating a many-level melodic structure. Jaunty to melancholic keyboard notes, sawing to pulled strings, and various percussive elements add even more sonic texture to the album’s songs.