From graduating college, to getting married, and even fighting off oil companies in the Yukon; Braden Lam has a lot to say about the life he’s lived since his last full-length release Driftwood People dropped in 2018. Inside Four Walls takes us outside of the four bedroom walls in which Driftwood People was recorded, and out into the real world. The result is a record that finds a comfortable balance between it’s fuller, catchier sound and its message.
“Definitely a conscious decision to explore a more developed sound. Driftwood People was recorded by myself in my bedroom whereas this album was produced in a studio alongside a big team of talented folks.”
The talented folks in this instance being, most notably, Colin Buchanan (Paper Lions, Sorrey) at The Hill Studio in Charlottetown, helped push Braden from a more traditional folk sound to more of a folk/pop sound we’ve come to expect from Colin.
This change is noticeable from the opener “Saturday is Seven”, a fun weekend anthem that you’ll have no problem humming along to. It follows with “I Won’t Think Twice” as Braden looms over a difficult decision on a track that would fit perfectly on a Fortunate Ones record.
“Forest Fires” speaks directly on Braden’s time in the Yukon, where he finished writing the record. A track that, with its brooding acoustic guitars, eerie ambience, and deep-seated message; almost makes you feel guilty for enjoying it. Climate change plays a big part in Braden’s life, and like most things in Braden’s life, it found its way into his work.
“It was very important [to address climate change], because of my background studying environmental science and my passion for the outdoors… but it was also just as important to address all forms of change on this record… The record is about acknowledging this change, accepting it and being open to it… I think this is the first step in being able to tackle these issues as a society and moving forward together.”
On “Habit of My Heart”, Braden swoons on a piano ballad that crescendos beautifully, and knows just when to get loud. The lead single takes on new life when accompanied by Tim Mombourquette’s fantastic wedding/music video.
Inside Four Walls closes on a lighter note with “Ruby (reprise)”, a track that uniquely represents all that Braden has had to say up to it, and manages to fit in a kick ass saxophone solo as well.
With the release of Inside Four Walls, Braden is preparing for a tour of the east coast. When asked about the challenges of touring in 2020 Braden replies, “I’m being cautiously optimistic about it all. I was pretty crushed when ECMAs and our Ontario/east coast tour was cancelled in May. It’s looking pretty good for us here in the Atlantic bubble right now and I’m super grateful we can tour and perform safely over here. We are gonna make the socially distanced situation and give people a great show, make some new friends, and celebrate with all.”
Braden Lam’s tour begins on October 10th.
Tour Dates:
10.10.20 – Fredericton, NB @ Grimross Brewing Co.
10.16.20 – Truro, NS @ Old Road BBQ
10.23.20 – Halifax, NS @ The Carleton
10.24.20 – Dartmouth, NS @ New Scotland Brewing
10.29.20 – Charlottetown, PEI @ Trailside Music Hall