The
Typhoon collective grows stronger and bolder on
A New Kind of House. Their most mature effort to date, this five-song lead-up to
Hunger and Thirst looks to past folk-rock mavericks
Neutral Milk Hotel,
Beirut, and
Bright Eyes. Opener "The Honest Truth" is a full-bodied corker, fitted with horns, crashing cymbals, and a glorious raging chorus of "You let the devil in your home." It's the kind of song that would fit nicely on an
Arcade Fire album. The hard-burning "Summer Home" follows up as a passionate slice of rocking Americana and could easily be mistaken for
Mumford & Sons. Lead singer Kyle Morton's frazzled, rich voice recalls
Conor Oberst at his best, but
Typhoon's songs are stronger and more haunting than most of
Oberst's output. Every track here is winning, and the entire EP feels like a play for the big leagues. ~ Tim DiGravina