The third album from Ontario’s A Northern Chorus presents a first and a last for the band. Bitter Hands Resign is the first with cellist/vocalist Alex McMaster as well as the final album with drummer Marshall Bureau. Despite the lineup shuffles that occurred around the album’s creation, the eight tracks present a level of consistency achievable only by a group of musicians sharing a similar musical vision.

Aesthetically the music of A Northern Chorus could be described as dreamy and atmospheric. Bitter Hands Resign maintains an open feel throughout as if recorded in a large hall constructed of cold stone. The sound pairs nicely with the heavy dose of reverb, chorus, and delay effects used throughout by guitarists Stuart Livingstone and Pete Hall. Furthering the layered depth of the compositions is the delicate vocal work that serves more of a purpose similar to that of the other instruments than simply a vehicle to express words.

Adding power to the quintet’s lush orchestration is their use of varied dynamics. Perhaps the most dramatic example of this occurs within the first thirty seconds of Bitter Hands Resign. “The Shepherd & The Chauffeur” lures with its quiet introduction giving just enough time for the volume to be turned up for a better listen before the entire ensemble joins in loudly and triumphantly. Other dynamic changes throughout the album are far more subtle, but prove to be just as effective in developing climactic moments and maintaining their dream pop sound without putting the listener to sleep.