The lyrics by Rolf Carlos Klausener on Glory Hope Mountain sear
into the memory like passages from a fine novel, and while the songs
chronicle pivotal and challenging moments in his Honduran mother's
life, the narrative is indirect, impressionistic. It isn't necessary to
work out the story to take it under your skin, but don't be surprised
to find yourself returning repeatedly to the lyric sheet to tease out
the details of Gloria Esperanza Montoya's journey from rural Honduras
to the streets of Montreal. The music – so understated that it's easy
to miss how jaw-droppingly good it is – employs in a wholly natural way
the traditional Garifuna rhythms that Klausener's begun exploring in
recent years, with enormous percussion provided in part by James Bunton
and Ryan Carley of sister band Ohbijou. From the anthemic heights of
“Low Gravity” and “Flood” to the exquisite prayer of “Glory,” The
Acorn's new album is not only definitive, it's quietly magnificent.