The Acorn - No Ghost Album Review

This second album from Canadian indie folk band The Acorn follows their 2008 debut 'Glory Hope Mountain'; an LP appreciated by those who know good music, but not accepted many of those in the mainstream.

Unsurprisingly, 'No Ghost' has kept the uplifting nature of their debut; probably because it worked pretty well for them last time round. It is an album of guitar-led music; sometimes storming, such as 'I Made The Law', but more often quite delicate. The band seem to have played it safer this time and fully utilise what people liked about their last outing and limited the parts that got criticised. Not a bad way to approach a second album really.

The album opens with one of its strongest tracks, 'Cobbled From Dust' which begins relatively quietly before launching into a full-on melodic performance with a rare hint of electronica influence. 'Restoration' is another track that gathers momentum as it progresses. 'Kindling To Creation' ticks the band's box of reflectiveness, whereas louder guitars and heavy bass are used to full effect in 'Bobcat Gold Wraith'.

Overall the instrumental arrangements of 'No Ghost' are different to the band's debut, indicating that the band has taken note of what worked on their last album; however, they have kept their debut's simplicity. This is best shown in 'Misplaced'; a short, direct track that perfectly indicates the band's intentions.

From this showing, it is clear that 'Glory Hope Mountain' was not a fluke; this is a band that can convey a number of different moods within the same track. The Acorn have produced an album that might not be one for the 'essential listening' pile, but altogether is pleasant and unassuming.

Katy Ratican