The Duhks/Boy=Girl

Coming out of a five-year semi-hiatus that saw several band members walking away and pursuing other projects, The Duhks are back with all founding members intact. The Canadian folk band has an impressive catalog from the old days - dating from 2002 to 2008. The latter-day Fast Paced World will probably lend the most apt glimpse into the band’s sound. Dig the album’s title track and the way its gentle percussion base lopes alongside Jessee Havey’s soulful vocals. And Leonard Podolak’s banjo, a hallmark of the band’s character, is upbeat throughout the tune. Probably one of the band’s more beloved songs is “Annabel,” off the debut Your Daughters and Your Sons. Recorded in 2003, it’s an emotional and heart-breaking song that perfectly captures the depth of Havey and Co.’s songwriting. Put that one on your must-listen-to playlist right now. Back in the current era, the band ducked into the studio to begin work on their next album back in March. The goods are due out this fall. (Eric Sandy)