PROPHET HENS, THE - The Wonderful Shapes Of Back Door Keys (CD)

The Prophet Hens return for a second album. The Wonderful Shapes Of Back Door Keys delivers on the tuneful jangly promise of their debut album Popular People Do Popular People* US music blog The Finest Kiss described their popular debut as "Chills meets Belle And Sebastian pop alchemy" before saying "The Prophet Hens may be better than both" and making it their #2 album of 2013. Ringing the changes on this latest effort is the addition of bassist Robin Cederman's adventurous songwriting, on which keyboard player Penelope Esplin takes lead vocals. Her voice, the strong melodies, and richly detailed, dramatic storylines are sometimes reminiscent of an Antipodean Neko Case. Robin's songs complement Karl Bray's minor-key pop numbers, which manage to be both melancholic and exuberant at the same time. *"Popular People Do Popular People" is also being issued on a very limited LP pressing by Fishrider, Occultation & Na?ve Melody at the same time.