Sometimes an album just feels like an old friend; maybe you haven’t seen them in a while, but it gives you all the more reason to marvel at this glow they’ve made for themselves. Coupled with the familiarity you have with them, it’s a surefire way to warm your heart.
Pleasure in the Pathless Woods is one such album. The sophomore release by Rick Sparkes + The Enablers was a bit late to the party, having been slated for a summer 2020 release before the pandemic reared its head. But, late or not, it was definitely worth the wait.
“It feels great to finally have the album finished and out in the world,” says Sparkes. “The timing of the album’s release could be a fortuitous thing in that we might be able to play a few shows across the Maritimes this summer in support of the record.”
The Prince Edward Island alternative folk-rockers are as poignant as ever on their latest, branching out on all creative fronts while still retaining their top-notch rock roots. Further, the album’s heartfelt theme is absolute, never once disrupting the smooth, emotional equilibrium it provides from start to finish.
The album also sees a collaboration with JUNO-nominated violinist Tim Chaisson, with the musician appearing on tracks “Over Northumberland,” “Cézanne,” and “Life at Sea” which, incidentally, happen to be three of the album’s standout tracks.
“Over Northumberland” sets the tone for the entire album, with Sparkes’ serenading vocals immediately quelling any anxieties for the day. “Cézanne” is the album’s melodic peak, utilizing nothing more than a few harmonized notes drenched in reverb to leave listeners positively mystified.
Finally, “Life At Sea” rounds off the album with nostalgic melodies and warm harmonics, unabashedly reminding us just who we’re listening to.
Outside of their indie folk gems, the band relishes in their signature takes on rock and country music, each of them sporting a charm that could only belong to Rick Sparkes + The Enablers.
“I wanted to make a record that I could put on the turntable and listen to from top to bottom,” says Sparkes. “So I hope that listeners have a similar experience with this album.”