Petals

Augmenting their already eclectic mix of folk with unusual instrumentation, this Colorado quintet excel at drawing deep emotion from the depths of their own restraint. The wistful Petals is rich in strings: Celtic-inspired fiddle adds a burst of vigor to Raindrops and Sea Monster, while the mournful wail of a cello lends gravity to the title track. Jazzy basslines even add a cool, swinging vibe to Hello You Who and Furthest Shore. Still, it somehow all feels intimate and spare, with every instrument delicately configured behind bittersweet harmonies.