Sometimes you just need a good, old-fashioned, nitty-gritty anthem to flood your head with all the serotonin an island can muster. Though Lawrence Maxwell hails from Prince Edward Island, “Back to Cape Breton” is an aptly-named love letter to fellow Atlantic Canadian island Cape Breton.
Written in light of COVID-19 restrictions descending upon Nova Scotia, Maxwell, a frequent camper in the Cape Breton town of Inverness, decided to pay homage to the countless great memories he’s made on the island. These restrictions also came at a time when Maxwell’s sophomore album, Almost Natural, was nominated for the East Coast Music Association’s Country Recording of the Year Award, raising anxieties around live performances despite being thrilled by the nomination. Thankfully, there was nothing stopping Maxwell from releasing new music.
“I feel like now is the right time to release this song,” says Maxwell. “Sometimes you have a plan but the world has a plan of its own, and you need to be able to switch things up on the fly.”
Equal parts an ode to the island’s beauty and a musical encapsulation of the breakneck, utterly-alive culture amongst its inhabitants, Maxwell belts a string of fantastic memories that will ring familiar to visitors and locals of Cape Breton alike; fishing rods, campfires, and all.
The tune is backed by a top-of-the-line supporting cast, with Adam Gallant serving as producer, Sam Langille on bass, Josh Langille on drums and guitar, and Justyn Young providing backing vocals. But an extra special nod must be given to Mairi Rankin, from the astoundingly influential Rankin Family and a Cape Bretoner herself. Armed with her trusty fiddle, a historical lineage, and an unwavering talent, Rankin gives the tune that distinct Cape Breton kick that any song honouring the island needs to capture its authentic spirit.