Kathryn Calder - Bright and Vivid (2011)

Bright and Vivid is both the title of and an accurate description of the second solo release by Kathryn Calder of Immaculate Machine and The New Pornographers. As a whole, these 10 tracks form a vibrant, complex tapestry. Zoom in and you’ll hear snippets of xylophone, softly strummed acoustic guitar, distorted electric licks, far-off-sounding cymbal crashes, staccato strings, and too many lush electronic moments to count. Despite the various textures and directions, the songs rarely get too dense; credit is due her recording engineer (and husband) Colin Stewart for walking this thin sonic line. Also credit Calder’s endearing voice, which breathes in life when the multiple layers of sound threaten to smother the melody. The synth-pop numbers “Who Are You?” and “Walking in My Sleep” are most immediately catchy, but each track proves rewarding for listeners willing to follow along.