There are no frills when it comes to Steve MacIntyre’s first official release. The Cape Breton singer-songwriter opts for a self-titled EP, five songs in length. The accompaniments are simple—understated guitar, no grandiose melodies or instrumentals. But it’s that sweet simplicity that allows his most valuable assets to shine—compelling, vulnerable lyrics and a voice built to harness them.
The EP is a short collection that covers a lot of ground in a small amount of time. MacIntyre showcases the versatility of his songwriting, from tender ballads to historic warscapes to unflinching optimism. The latter is established right from the getgo with “Bluebirds”, a jaunty assurance that, “even bluebirds sometimes get the blues”. Through it all, MacIntyre proves he is a musician who knows how to wield the power of emotions.
And that power is wielded most effectively on “Too Small a Town”. MacIntyre harmonizes with wife Robyn Chisholm as they explore the way that small communities mourn together when tragedy occurs. The track is a tribute to the victims of the mass shooting that took place in Portapique in April of 2020. MacIntyre handles the subject as delicately as possible while still managing to vividly invoke the sheer grief that many were feeling during the aftermath.
Though this sounds like a tough act to outshine, the rest of the record is just as effective. “Highland Promise,” for instance, takes the form of a tearful letter from the frontlines to a lover back home, specifically that of a Jacobite soldier. While the tragic tale of love and death is impressive on its own, what makes it even more so is the fact that it’s the first song MacIntyre ever wrote.
That fact shows how much work MacIntyre has put into his craft and how much of the record’s merit comes from an inherent talent for songwriting. That’s not to discredit the hard work that goes into crafting meaningful songs, but it’s clear with this EP that MacIntyre has a little bit of magic on his side.