HISTOIRES À L'ENVERS

The Baku is a spirit in Chinese mythology that can be summoned to devour one's nightmares, but has the rather uninvited occasional side effect of gobbling one's hopes and dreams once its appetite is whetted by the frightful stuff. Why am I even talking about the Baku? It turns out that this subdued, almost passive Quebecois outfit might be named after said being in a charitable mood, because all that is left here are the sweet fleeting images of gentility that would probably not have made much of a meal in any case.

All tracks on this EP length debut offer a soothing blend of acoustic guitar, electric guitar strummed like acoustic guitar, electric piano, percussion and vocal harmonies. MANGEUR DE REVES seems intent on immersing the listener in sweet reverie occasionally punctuated by a seductive hook probably meant to keep one from escaping completely into the deep sleep phase, because the REM is about the only exercise that might register on your fitbit during these 32 minutes.

Lest I come across as not getting the point, I think the point is well taken, and a worthy selection in this fraught interval where one needs a little more than just a "you are floating on a cloud" type induction to pass from one part of the day to the next while remaining both productive and civil. As such, the duration is just about right, but don't be surprised if, upon awakening, you find the Baku in well deserved slumber by your side. Shhh.