GIANTS IN THE TREES GIANTS IN THE TREES (SELF-RELEASE)

FORMER NIRVANA BASSIST AND PALS UNLEASH TROUBLE IN THE FOREST

■ “WE LOVE to play music.we like to grow food,” declare Giants In Thetrees on Facebook. The agrarianwahkiakum quartet of Krist Novoselic, Jillian Raye (vocals, banjo), Ray Prestagard (guitar, harmica) and Erik Friend (drums) are all Grangers – meaning that they all belong to arcane rural collectives that help maintain their farming communities. So far, so good, so serious…. Or at least it would be if the four-piece weren’t blessed with a unique sense of playfulness. Musically speaking, theirs is a marriage of ’60s-inspired, progressive psych-folk and sly pop hooks. Krist’s elephantine bass undertow is in full effect on deep-grooving first single Sasquatch, but it’s singer Jillian’s distinct ability to shape melodies that defines this wondrously beguiling 12-track, digital-only effort. She shines brightest on Pretend, a bona fide rock anthem enhanced by Jack Endino’s intimate production that confirms that Giants do indeed make local music for a truly global audience. DOWNLOAD: Pretend. FOR FANS OF: Nirvana, Purson. PHIL ALEXANDER