In 2005 I was introduced to Lewis & Clarke by a friend and instantly became enraptured with their record Bare Bones & Branches, which continues to remain one of the most beautiful records in my collection.

It comes as no surprise then, that their upcoming release Blasts of Holy Birth would be one of our most anticipated releases of the year. After spending countless listens with this album, including three times through on a late night drive home from Milwaukee as Monday became Tuesday morning, I came to the conclusion that the album completely encapsulated every want or expectation I had.

This album isn’t Bare Bones & Branches over again, while it retains delicate guitar picking and serene vocals – now combined with fuzzed out background noise that, while apparent, are never insolent. Covering eight tracks the album sweeps by gracefully, leading to an almost natural reaction to play it again right away.

In what is currently our favorite song of the moment, and will be in contention for “song of the year” is, “Comfort Inn.” The song details a woman on the brink of leaving and all the memories that equate to reasons he should catch her before she’s gone for good. My want to share this song is negated by my hope that you’ll purchase this album to hear that and the other eight tracks that are sure to soundtrack some late nights and springboard some sunny summer mornings.

Blasts of Holy Birth will be released on May 15th on La Societe Expeditionnaire.

Myspace: Lewis & Clarke
MP3: Lewis & Clarke – Bare Bones & Branches
MP3: Lewis & Clarke – Before It Breaks You