Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 26th, 2012

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There is a moment in fall when the blend of colors give off a gold tint. Of course, it doesn’t last long, because falling leaves are signs of transition in the weather. Alternative-rock and Americana songwriter Grant Olsen understands transition, and even records under the moniker Gold Leaves. It suits him well since themes of birth, death and regeneration permeate his debut record “The Ornament.” Some may know Olsen as one-half of Seattle duo Arthur & Yu, but Olsen’s solo work as Gold Leaves has been breaking musical barriers during the last year. Always writing with a pop undertone, the hearty title track came into fruition with the help of ’60s British pop producer Joe Meek, and the album’s production was handled by Jason Quever of Papercuts. Other songs such as the delicate “Cruel/Kind” bring a contemporary edge to Olsen’s campfire vibe, and Gold Leaves rounds out its pop palette with contributions from percussionist Ben McConnell and backing vocals provided by friends like Thao Ngyuen, Amy Blaschke, and members of the Moondoggies. “The Ornament” is out now via Hardly Art.

||| Download: “Cruel/Kind”

||| Also: Grab the title track “The Ornament.”

||| Live: Gold Leaves plays Friday at the Echo with Fruit Bats.