The Hour

Music of specific, gentle power, Winter Hours' stuff proves that some of the best and boldest music in this country comes from the Prairies. Saskatoon's Deep Dark Woods are, succinctly, a grand band; their songs are haunting, gothic, well-worn, lived in and sometimes even fun. Truth told, Winter Hours is remarkable for its panoply of moods and thoughtful textures. Rambly tracks like All the Money I Had Is Gone and love songs like Polly will stick in your head for days, and when they're booted out for overstaying their welcome, they're quickly replaced by the likes of The Birds on the Bridge. Which is fine by me.