Concerns Of Wasp And Willow

Long-awaited return of one of the best indie and sunshine pop bands in the nation, based right here within the greater Stanford community. This is the 6th album from the full foursome that’s been together for 20+ years. Singer-songwriter and ukulele virtuoso, Karla Kane, fronts the band — along with Khoi Huynh (bass, vocals, keys and more), KC Bowman (guitar, vocals and more), and Charlie Crabtree (drums). Many friends contribute as well — including former bandmate Angela Silletto (now Rhoades), Helen Luker of the UK band Fun Of The Pier, and Bradley Skaught of The Bye Bye Blackbirds. As always with the Corner Laughers, the lyrics go far beyond the simplistic to consider topics and issues impacting us all. RIYL: Belle And Sebastian, Neko Case, Allo Darlin’, Camera Obscura.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 2, 3, 1, 5, 6, 9, 10. No FCCs noted.

1. (5:02) Terra Mia — An opener full of contradictions. Musically, it’s built on strummed ukulele, a busy bass line, synths, guitar riffs and uplifting, lilting vocals. But the dark lyrics contemplate the mess we’re making of the environment and the worrisome consequences for the world. ****
2. (2:54) Dusking — Upbeat, catchy indie pop. The arrangement harkens back to the best Brit pop hits from the 60s, with a classic melodic construction and rich instrumentation. ****
3. (3:04) Rainbow Cardigan — A hyper-catchy single. Acoustic guitar and lightly jangling ukulele. Huynh’s ‘spaghetti western’ bass and Crabtree’s cracking drumming help carry the tune. Marvelous lead break by Bowman. Wonderfully inventive wordplay, which muses about merging colors and shades and matters of time. ****
4. (3:03) Crumb Clean — Bouncy and fun. An optimistic counterpoint to the harsher environmental message of the opener. The melody draws from a musical piano riff played by Karla’s talented young daughter (who also performs on this cut on the album).
5. (4:16) The Harvestman — Soothing and dreamy lullaby. Measured tempo. A gentle swing. Lush lead vocals. Crystalline Beach Boys-like harmonized backing vocals, especially nice in the leisurely trail-out. ****
6. (3:35) Dark Matter — Syncopated, stop-and-go grabber. Slow fade in. Originally released as part of a ‘bewitching’ collection for Halloween by the Big Stir label. Lots of accolades to members of the clever crow family. ***
7. (3:16) Red Yarrow, Yellow Yarrow — Jazzy, piano-forward folk tune that pays homage to a native California flowering plant, which is as at home in suburban backyards as it is in the wilderness. Sweet vocals.
8. (2:57) Universe Point — Composed by lead guitarist Bowman, this tune has a hooky, march-like vibe with a brief, throaty guitar-driven lead break.
9. (3:58) Victoria Sponge — Tells the story of the rise and fall of the Crystal Palace in South London — a cast-iron building that was 1,851-feet wide and 128-feet tall — with brilliant, plate-glass walls. The warm melody was composed by Helen Luker of UK-based band, Fun Of The Pier. ***
10. (2:54) Larkspur Landing — A slightly unsettling, yet somehow reassuring, chamber pop closer with an important nod once again to caring for our environment. Larkspur Landing is where the San Francisco Bay ferries come and go in Marin County. ***