Hal Hixson’s new album, “Base Elements,” is a tranquil alternative to the typical indie rock sound, layered with soothing nature-inducing lyrics, guitar-picking acoustics and whimsy keyboards that deliver this indie rock in a folksy fashion that makes you want to kick off your shoes and slip into a hot bubble bath.

Hixson signed with the Columbus label Wide-Eyed-Collective in 2003, and he recently released his third album, “Base Elements,” in 2006. “A Little Light” and “A Ten Pound Note” were both released in 2003. WEC defines Hixson’s music as bridging boundaries between the old and the new.

Hixson incorporates different instruments into his new album such as lap steel, ebow, bowed guitar and trumpets, as well as electric and acoustic guitars, keyboard and piano.

The song “Saddest Song in the World” is similar to Moby’s music, with a repetitive beat throughout the song that slowly builds with gradual layering of instruments for two minutes until the vocals finally strike, “Shadows blaze against the sky… flickering.” Although a slow-paced, somewhat sad song, it leaves you feeling cleansed and optimistic.

The album progresses toward a more nature-like presence, as Hixson’s folksy lyrics become more condensed with mystical phrases. “Magic and Moon Star” and “Blue Day” both offer this mystical appeal through abstract lyrics backed against a smooth, free-flowing rhythm. There is a lot of talk about stars and angels, which leaves a very celestial impression.

By far the most creative song on the album, “Blue Day,” has an ancient feel to the otherwise modern pace of the album. The song evokes your senses with the lyrics: “The sweetest air, sugar and smoke… curl into the sky like little whips of rope.” Tribal drums set the pace and an electric sound stings throughout the background. Next, trumpets begin to play in harmony, but fall out of sync as the lyrics “Fears are fading to blue and drifting into you” are repeated.

Although the album might not be overflowing with harmony, it does end with a very melodious song, “Glimmer,” which helps give the album a little more harmonic depth. Overall, the album is layered with interesting sounds to produce a very relaxing vibe. It is done in a very musty, romantic kind of way and the result is a different twist on the typical indie rock that could seduce the listener – and their lover – to a night of ‘aural’ pleasure.

Aaron Post can be reached at [email protected].