Percy Farm

Judging by this debut, Percy Farm are first and foremost an album band. The Montreal quintet are all about creating atmosphere, shifting momentum and telling stories, using a ton of instruments and vocalists in the process. You’d be hard-pressed to pick out any singles from the pessimistically titled The End’s in The Beginning — the songs are by and large, strong and consistent throughout. That said, tracks like "People of Plenty” and "Route #132” exemplify this album’s key merits: the wandering philosopher narrative, eminently singable melodies and wonderfully dense pop/folk arrangements. Sure, some of these compositions could use a little streamlining but the overall sophistication of the album renders this quibble a minor one. Here’s to hoping Percy Farm’s end is not at their beginning.