Holopaw

A delicate, contemplative union of indie rock, country, and electronica, Holopaw's self-titled debut shows off more of John Orth's singing and songwriting talent, which he also displayed on Ugly Casanova's 'Sharpen Your Teeth.' A similarly quirky, backwater sensibility permeates this album, but Holopaw's sound is dreamier and more quietly unconventional. Above all, the album is a quiet, restrained affair despite its playful sonics; Orth's singing and arrangements demand your full attention — and headphones, ideally — to bloom completely. Fortunately, Holopaw is such a pretty and promising debut that it rewards concentrated listening.