Spokane – “Little Hours ” – [Jagjaguwar Records]

Rick Alverson and Courtney Bowles are Spokane. Their sound is beautifully wistful, with barely-above-a-whisper vocals and instruments such as acoustic guitar, cello, steel guitar, and a piano that sounds???in terms of both audio quality and emotional effect???like it was recorded in a sad, empty house. A tinkling music box here and there adds to the melancholy feeling. The lyrics, not quite as minimal and vague as Alverson???s previous work with Drunk, drift past without leaving any real impression. The songs themselves are lovely wisps, passing by in a manner that suggests we are in some sort of dream state.