by Philip Moss

Keeled Scales has become one of the most trusted labels in the alternative landscape over the last few years, with a host of brilliant releases coming thick and fast from the likes of Jo Schornikow, Katy Kirby, Jordan Moser and Erin Durant. This month also sees the label release the hotly anticipated debut album, My Heart is an Open Field, from Tenci, but, before that, this week there was the surprise double A-side drop from Austin based, The Deer.

Like the faded Polaroid on the record’s sleeve, Acid Wash and Superstition Mountains sound of another time. A pair of folk gems dug out of the Texan ground. Recorded during their self produced album sessions for last year’s Do No Harm LP, the songs may not have made the album’s track listing, but it is in no way a slight on the quality. Acid Wash is the more mournful of the pair – but featuring a highly addictive Grace Rowland chorus, before it is whipped off into a glorious violin refrain. While the more upbeat, mandolin wielding Superstition Mountains means the pair of songs show two very different, but special sides to the five piece.

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