What can only be described at multi-instrumental acoustic experimentation, Hermit Thrushes brings you their newest piece of work, Slight Fountain. This 14-track album comes across as a twisted yet respectable homage to the sporadic sounds of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, as well as the classical acoustic folk sounds of decades past.

The album tracks through quite smoothly considering some of the songs involve unconventional tempo changes, like in the song “Push.” One of the more subtle yet impressive cuts on Slight Fountain is an acoustic guitar instrumental track entitled “Headless.” “Found House” is an off-tune multi-instrumental psychedelic pop piece that accentuates the controlled madness that encompasses this band’s odd sound.

Although the likeliness of mainstream success with a band like Hermit Thrushes is unlikely, I think those with an open musical mind will enjoy this album for its quirkiness and heart. Heart…now that’s something missing in music these days, and it’s clear these guys aren’t afraid to show they have it.

(Joyful Noise Recordings, PO Box 20109 Indianapolis, IN 46220)