Driving across Washington this morning, I was again thoroughly disappointed by how much of a disaster Snoqualmie Pass is. The portion of Interstate 90 that carries travelers over the Cascade mountain range has been under extensive construction for what seems like decades at this point. I can’t remember a time driving it where there weren’t numerous delays, closed lanes, rock blasting, and jackhammers chipping away at the mountain’s ancient rock. It’s especially sad because the surrounding area is so beautiful, but often obscured—or at least soured—by the machinery and noise. The pure glacial waters and jagged peaks where David Lynch set Twin Peaks don’t deserve such an eyesore.

Whenever I make that drive, I try to pick something woodsy and wistful to distract myself from the disorder. Peace Arrow, the twinkling project of Hear Hums‘ Mitch Meyers, soundtracked the slow, crawling trip beautifully today. “Your Hands” is one of the many standouts from his debut album ↑↓↑↓.

The bubbling ambient noises and folksy melody recall the best elements of your favorite Mutual Benefit or Julian Lynch song, but there’s a busy feeling that shines through each little imperfection; distant whistling, rickety percussion, and an assortment of bells and glockenspiel swirl innocently around the folksy tune. It’s a rare instance where an intrusion of sound actually makes you appreciate the natural beauty of something even more.

↑↓↑↓ is available now via Peace Arrow’s Bandcamp page. Catch him on tour this fall with Emily Reo and Cuddle Formation.