Speck Mountain chanteuse Marie-Claire Balbanian has a hell of a voice. While she never goes for the full-throated howl of Neko Case, it’s apparent that she could if she chose. Instead, she and “musical soul mate” Karl Briedrick use reverb drenched guitar, organ, saxophone and tape delay to build a swirling psychedelia-influenced pop fog through which her crystal clear voice shines straight and true, a laser of restrained soul that keeps you from drifting off in wash after wash of tambourine taps and vintage effects.

There are no fast numbers here. These are patient songs, the band absolutely reveling in restraint. This is lazy summer Sundays on the back porch with a bottle and a pack of cigarettes music. It’s tailor-made for headphones and LSD. The occasional Mazzy Star comparison isn’t unwarranted. Certainly both bands pick up their valium at the same pharmacy, but Speck Mountain owes more to Spacemen 3 and their flirtations with drone, and Hope Sandoval always seemed slightly narcotized, drifitng along on the tides of her songs. Balbanian rides her bandmates’ rhythms with surefooted skill, projecting soulful swagger and restrained longing in equal measure.

The duo have desribed their music as “ambient soul” which is easier than trying to cram spacerock, dream-pop and psychedelia into one word. Eschewing more modern recording techniques, their use of vintage equipment gives the record surprising warmth. It could easily be detached and aloof. Instead, each song is carefully arranged, slow chord progressions and sly piano pushing and pulling each other along through a haze of delay and warm molasses basslines. With Some Sweet Relief Speck Mountain nailed something that is getting more elusive every year: managing to wring a distinct sound out of familiar elements with no pretension. They make it look easy, which is the real surprise. For an album this meticulously crafted to seem so effortless is amazing. It’s a good record, is what I am trying to say. If you can’t find it at your local music store, their CD release show is April 10th at The Hideout, where their new band lineup will get to stretch their legs. If their live show is half as impressive as their studio efforts it will be a very good Friday night.  - Justin Valmassoi

Speck Mountain plays the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on April 10th, 2009