On the Whole Universe in All Directions

Recent sides by prolific American Primitive revivalists Elkhorn have seen the core duo of Jesse Sheppard and Drew Gardener augment their elegant psych-folk strains with a plethora of accompanists skilled in deep ornamentation. But the four expansive jams comprising On the Whole Universe in All Directions find the pair harkening back to a streamlined approach, while pitching a welcome additional curveball. Forgoing his usual electric guitar, Gardner introduces vibraphone to the mix for the first time, engaging with Sheppard's 12-string acoustic in shimmering raga dialogue, the notes cascading like a fantasy cosmic back-and-forth between Robbie Basho and Bobby Hutcherson. It makes for a decidedly meditative work, exposing its origins in a commission by New York's Buddhist media and arts group, Psychedelic Sangha. But don't expect no new-age noodle session. This is an album alive with dynamic twists and turns that's emblematic of a pair with a penchant for Coltrane.