Bahamas

Barchords (Universal Republic)

Afie Jurvanen (aka Bahamas) revels in laconic and languid bittersweet, part tongue-in-cheek, part dead-serious desperation. The charm lies in not knowing exactly from which perspective he’s driving, which made the Toronto songwriter’s debut, Pink Strat, one of last year’s undervalued gems. Barchords wrangles a similar ambivalence, with slightly more ambition in arrangement while still remaining understated. The easy lope of opener “Lost in the Light” sets the casual mood with choral swells in defiance of heartbreak, while “Caught Me Thinking” dances against the blues. “Okay, Alright, I’m Alive” and “Any Other Way” saunter with an upbeat M. Ward vibe, but in between “Never Again,” “Overjoyed,” and “I Got You Babe” are beautifully bleak. Jurvanen’s chiming guitar tones shimmer and strafe throughout, especially scouring on “Your Sweet Touch” and subtly picked on “Montreal” and “Time and Time Again.” Barchords plays as the rare album that simultaneously lifts and pummels. (Wed., 11:30pm, St. David’s Bethell Hall)

***.5

This article appears in March 16 • 2012.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.