I can’t decide whether I like this album. On one end there’s the notion that Dan Mangan basically re-recorded Andrew Bird’s Noble Beast, but on the other end there’s something unique in Mangan’s tone, something thick and corroded that couldn’t have been easily attained. It’s hard to criticize an artist who’s music flows through such an honest voice.

Oh Fortune kicks off with a strong opener (a mouthful) called “ About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All,” an orchestra-heavy tune that rises and falls around Mangan’s steady voice. Following suit is the strongest track on the album, “How Darwinian,” which has the catchiest vocals by far. The chorus, “You should know better by now,” will definitely get stuck in your head. Unfortunately what follow are a lot of decent tracks that are almost great (“Post War Blues”), pretty but almost gorgeous (“Daffodil”), and smart but almost genius (“Oh Fortune”).

It’s not a terrible album by any means, but it bleeds in with other like-minded bands more than it stands out. Ultimately, Oh Fortune is on the cusp of of something great, but doesn’t quite get there.

(Arts&Crafts, 460 Richmond St W #402, Toronto, ON M5V 1Y1 Canada)