Pop Songs for Elk

As one of the new breed of edgy Americana acts, such as Elephant Revival, Pokey LaFarge or Joy Kills Sorrow, Hillfolk Noir have got a seriously cool thing going on. Their fluency in old-time, circus carnival vamping is now firmly established, forming a base upon which almost anything can be constructed. Pop Songs for Elk kicks off with ‘North Idaho Zombie Rag’, a whirlwind string-band romp infused with zany energy and the nasal but nevertheless irresistible harmony singing of Travis and Alison Ward, who also play guitar, musical saw, washboard, banjo, suitcase and other instruments. ‘Round I Sing/Mile on Up’ showcases the band's refreshing approach to traditional Appalachian-style reels and shanties.

Hillfolk Noir write some of the funniest lyrical tales in the land. Songs like ‘Uncle Jake’ and ‘Woods on Fire’ are as much comedy sketches as songs, but you have to hear them performed to appreciate the full effect. The album title perfectly represents the band's madcap take on Americana, which helps make Hillfolk Noir one of the category's most endearingly entertaining practitioners.