New York trio Springhouse—i.e. Mitch Friedland, Jack Rabid and Larry Heinemann—played the sort of shoegaze sounds that mostly came out of the UK in the early ’90s, and put out a couple of really great records on the Caroline label. This, their third album, was originally released in 2008 and saw the trio transitioning to a more acoustic and folk friendly sound. It lives here again with a bonus CD of unreleased demos and live recordings.

“Passion” starts the 12 tracks of the original LP with Rabid’s distinct voice and skilled drumming that welcomes Julia Kent’s well-timed cello for a unique version of folk. “Moving Van” follows with Keith Bonner’s strategic flute and Friedland’s strummed guitar that emits much melody, but it’s the laidback and harmonic delivery of “No More Yesterdays” that makes the first side worth the price of admission.

The second half gets pretty diverse, and includes Claudia Chopek’s mature violin for the dreamy “Pomegranate Tree,” and Heinemann’s fluid keys and Craig Hoek’s playful baritone sax that contributes to “Mercedes Marxist” being so memorable. “Anew” exits the original album via a dreamy ambience that’s warm and eloquent.

On the bonus material, the first five tracks are instrumental versions of songs from the album, where “Sea And Rain” welcomes Alan Bezozi’s tambourine and shaker, and it isn’t long until the bright energy and animated musicianship of “No One Has To Know” is a crisp and sonically melodic standout tune.

The live tracks are at the end, and features Dave Burokas on bass, which adds much to the mesmerizing and post-punk tinted “Alley Park.”

Rating: B+

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