Stereopticon

Gary Lucas & Jann Klose

Cosmic Trigger Records/The Orchard, 2016

This collection of songs by folk duo Gary Lucas & Jann Klose is light, airey and playful. The melodies float effortlessly, with a delicate purposfulness. Most of the songs are spare acoustic and vocal numbers with precious few additions, leaving them to stand on their own strength. “Fair Weather” flits forward easily, as a butterfly on a spring breeze.

“Mary Magdelene” is another stand out song, about super storm Sandy. This account of the 2013 storm feels like a fresh wound, trying to mend itself. “We were right in Sandy’s track/We couldn’t leave, we knew we had to stay/We boarded up the windows/And hunkered down to pray.”

“Walking and Talking” is a bright-eyed slice of country-blues. Gary Lucas guitar work manages to sound positively orchestral at times. The sound swings from tender introspection to a full, propulsive rhythm, sometimes in the span of just a few measures.

The title, Stereopticon, refers to a classic slide projector that combines two images to create a three-dimensional effect. Gary Lucas and Jann Klose have combined their formidable talents into a memorable collection of songs.