Driftwood People is the second EP in the discography of Halifax based folk artist Braden Lam. Growing up in Uxbridge, Ontario, Braden moved to Halifax in 2016. Since appearing in Halifax, Braden has been heard playing on radio stations across Canada, and was awarded five thousand dollars by SOCAN for being one of five emerging and talented Young Canadian Songwriters.
Introduced by the track “Halifax Girl”, the record takes no time to throw the listener full force into the ethereal east coast sounds that are littered throughout the six tracks, totalling just under nineteen minutes.
Using a creative mix of traditional folk instrumentation and a sampling of waves in the background, Lam does a great job of creating a familiar feeling environment in which he can tell his story. The song recounts Braden’s relationship with a “Halifax Girl” that is infectiously catchy, although at times seems to lean a little too heavily on east coast cliches. Lines like “She’s got eyes as blue as the tides of the ocean, cape breton in her blood, and a fiddle under her chin” do little to create depth to the love story. The track ends abruptly when it is revealed that it was all a dream.
“Driftwood”, the album’s title-track, is based on the term used by the Mi’kmaq to refer to early colonizers characterized by their disruptive interactions as they would drift through communities.
“To me, Driftwood People is a message of reconciliation with the relationships in my life. It’s also an acknowledgment of the privilege I have, the unceded land I am grateful to be on, and a reminder to take nothing for granted,” says Lam about the origins of the song.
Touching on Braden’s difficulties creating and maintaining relationships through a fairly nomadic lifestyle, the song is packed to the brim with dense instrumentation and a catchy chorus just begging for a sing along.
Filled with beautiful vocal harmonies “Dawson City” is one of the most exciting tracks, and a great show of the talent for coordination and collaboration that is so integral to Braden’s music. Reminiscent of a of Bruce Springsteen song it builds to a crescendo before ending with an explosive guitar solo, something I’m not generally a big fan of, but that I couldn’t imagine being a better fit for this song.
The standout track song on the record is “Maya.” Seemingly holding all the personal details that I wish made an appearance on the first track, this song has one of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard from anything that sounds remotely similar. Seriously, this thing is “Sweet Caroline” levels of catchy.
Bringing things down a step before the finale, “On My Way Home” offers a much more vulnerable version of Lam that we haven’t seen up to this point. Allowing more room for freedom vocally, Braden delivers a stunning performance here, really driving home the emotion of the piece.
Finishing off the album is the lead single “Into the Light”. The song is a fitting end to the project and ranges anywhere from sounding a little too much like a Mumford and Sons song to an upbeat exciting finale leaving the listener with a real sense of Lam’s sound.
Driftwood People is an enchanting listen that pulls you into the relationships of its author through catchy songs, beautiful harmonies, and very well rounded performances from all involved. Despite holding a little too firmly to base level cliches of the east coast Lam manages to produce a very compelling effort that deserves your attention. Whether you are just in it for the catchy hooks and beautiful voices, or you want to dig a little deeper, you won’t be disappointed.
Tour Dates:
09.20.18 – Moncton, NB – Plan B
09.23.18 – Charlottetown, PEI – Baba’s Lounge
09.28.18 – Antigonish, NS – The Golden X Inn
09.29.18 – Sydney, NS – Governor’s Pub
10.04.18 – Halifax, NS – The Carleton (Release Party)
10.05.18 – Truro, NS – Belly Up