There's a purity to country music, observed in its considerate construction, the warmth related in its music and harmonies and its ability to tell a story, even if the narrative comes from a place within.

Based in Toronto, The Strumbellas are an indie act along just such a country bend; while their music may shine with all the darkened luster of indie music, there is something more haunting at play.

For the opening strains of "The Sheriff," frontman Simon Ward leads the band in an uptempo singalong that continues through the homesick "Lakes" and beyond; the presence of the full band can be felt in every moment, particularly in the quiet moments, odd a statement as that may be — the record almost relates the heartbeats in the room through the speakers.

It doesn't seem fitting to simply label My Father And The Hunter as a country record, though the elements are all present. The full band is configured for it — James Oliver, David Ritter, Jeremy Drury, Isabel Ritchie, Jon Hembrey and Darryl James accompany Ward on instruments like the banjo, violin and mandolin — however the songs here are dynamic and lush.

Take "I Just Had A Baby," in which the vocals are so strong that comparisons to neo-country acts like Mumford & Sons are sure to follow. The song also features disarming lyrics, like Ward singing, "I have cried to bigger men than you, I have lied to better friends than you."

Highlights are plentiful on My Father And The Hunter, like the moving numbers "Windsurfers" and "The Bird That Follows Me." They don't end there, however — "Underneath A Mountain" is resoundingly gorgeous and the stunning closer "Carry My Body," a short piece driven by piano, is one last taste of the band at their best before the album ends.

Ward and The Strumbellas have crafted a beautiful album, one that grows and expands with repeated listening. My Father And The Hunter is widely released on February 21.