I initially found it very difficult to write about Jackie-O Motherfucker. After all, I’m a bit of a newcomer to the band, having only really listened to two, maybe three of their albums. And with a total of 15 under their belt since 1995, they have the history and repertoire that is both prolific and highly impressive.

One part a spoken whisper, another a harmonically sung tune, Howe Gelb‘s vocals are near mystical in their folk simplicity. These are vocals that, despite their light playful nature, can send chills down your arms. And, being a master of his trade, Gelb backs his voice with expert performers and well-crafted lyrics. “4 Door Maverick” could be a country song for all it’s talk of the 70′s Ford, but it ends up a flamenco-influenced folk song courtesy a troupe of gypsies.

Light folk-pop artists are nothing new, but Toronto’s Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman create something unique with their project Snowblink. The band’s new album Long Live came out last month on Fire Records, and it’s filled with warm, catchy little tunes. Many, like “Ambergris” and “The Tired Bees” begin softly and minimally before adding orchestrated instrumentation and back-up vocals mid-way through.

Bardo Pond is somewhat of a mystery. “Don’t Know About You” features epic soundscapes ringing with loud guitars and borderline grunge female vocals, a sound that is stunning at the very least. Then there are songs like “Sleeping” which dive into more minimal, loopy instrumentation, focusing on echoing soundscapes and flute melodies.