Qr5 Pharmakon. Release Date : April 4, 2006. Label: Draft Tattoo. Rating: Pleasant. (Screw points. To each his own!) This record sits oddly with me at the outset. The instrumentation is vibrant, reggae-infused and summery, but the vocals are this peculiar clipped, soft, weak throaty growl. It's like Louis Armstrong heard from miles away whispering something. It adds a gentleness to the album, but alongside the bright solid drums and energized strings, pleasantly effects-laden interludes and clear acoustic guitar, it becomes confusing. It's growing on me somewhat but it's still odd. The quaint images of small town kids riding bikes down dusty back roads, catching frogs in the creek and stopping for a soda at the corner store rings throughout though. "Returning The Wheel" steps up a bit vocally, churning out a Hawksley Workman like theatrical quiver. It's a warm summertime album, very relaxing. Song of choice : Definitely like "Returning The Wheel" best. -Andy Scheffler Elsewhere Qr5 website Published : January, 2007.