Frog Eyes
Violet Psalms
(Paper Bag Records)
3.5/5
The eighth full-length album, Violet Psalms, from Vancouver indie rockers Frog Eyes is their last, with a farewell tour to come this spring and summer.
The quartet—who started off in Victoria—has been through a few lineups but vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Carey Mercer and drummer Melanie Campbell—who is married to Mercer—have remained constant. Keyboard player Shyla Seller and bassist Terri Upton join them for this album.
The highlight of Violet Psalms is, by far, the vocals, which any fans of Mercer’s work should not be surprised to hear. At times he packs a poppy punch, and at others a musing meandering melancholy. The keyboard work by Seller is both haunting and hopeful. The band fills the soundscape without crowding it, and the instruments give each other room to work.
Frog Eyes fans will not be disappointed with Violet Psalms.