Quilt

Move over, San Francisco; Boston-based psych-folk revivalists Quilt conjure circa-1960s harmonies and vibe on their full-length debut, which may inspire hipsters to drop the Wayfarers and wear flowers in their hair. Centered around the dual vocals of Shane Butler and Anna Rochinski (both of whom also play guitar and banjo) and anchored by drummer Taylor McVay (who amicably left the band after this recording), Quilt live up to their name, weaving a tapestry that’s warm in its dreamy, early-morning feel and comforting in its mantra-like delivery. Also as the name suggests -- and thanks to the band’s free approach to songwriting, letting the music flow where it may and carving out lyrics later -- the songs meld together to work like movements of one fuller piece as well as stand-alone compositions. Guitars float and twinkle, Eastern melodies wander in and out, and languid, intimate harmonies build from whispers to shouts, taking listeners on a transformative journey. Quilt aren’t shy to stretch out, whether letting the music play for almost a minute before bringing vocals into the mix on opening track “Young Gold,” combining a dirgey raga groove with circular harmonies on “Cowboys in the Void,” or getting spacy on the jam-oriented “Milo,” and the result is simultaneously challenging and familiar. A crisp early morning in autumn is the perfect backdrop for cozying up with this Quilt. ~ Chrysta Cherrie