Ben Caplan has long been one of the east coast’s most enthralling and engaging performers, regardless of whether he is backed by a full band, orchestra, roaring thunderstorm, or performing all by his lonesome. His newest album, “Recollection (reimagined),” is proof of that, with Caplan revisiting his past triumphs with a minimalist solo approach. Continue reading Ben Caplan Takes Time to Look Back on ‘Recollection (Reimagined)’
Tag Archives: Album Review
Behrooz Mihankhah’s ‘Lydium’ Merges Notes From Across the World
Behrooz Mihankhah had already proved just what a creative force he would be when he released the title track from his new album Lydium. And if anything, the refined musicianship that was on display there was an understatement of what we would be treated to on the album proper. Lydium is all at once familiar and unknown, intimate and vast, cozy and explorative. It is a deep look into one of Nova Scotia’s preeminent jazz artists and the sights are something to behold. Continue reading Behrooz Mihankhah’s ‘Lydium’ Merges Notes From Across the World
Swimming Grapple With the Changing of Life and Seasons on Debut ‘That’s OK’
For better or worse, fall is a time for change. People come and go, new chapters begin, leaves change colour—it can be a lot for anyone to handle. All of this makes it the perfect time for Newfoundland emo trio Swimming to release their debut, That’s OK, which is rooted in that very turmoil. Continue reading Swimming Grapple With the Changing of Life and Seasons on Debut ‘That’s OK’
Andru Branch & Halfway Tree Invite Resilience with ‘Weather The Storm’
Andru Branch is the real deal, the genuine article, an authentic. Nothing else can be said of a reggae outfit that, in the words of The Sunday Herald of Kingston, Jamaica, “sounds like the Marley-inspired tunes all The World has come to know and love.” Continue reading Andru Branch & Halfway Tree Invite Resilience with ‘Weather The Storm’
Empathy is at the Core of Heather Armstrong’s Debut Album ‘Fearless Contribution’
Songwriters have such fascinatingly varied ways of working: some write for a project or album, some write daily or weekly, and some sit on songs for years. Heather Armstrong, however, works at a frantic pace, overcome by the need to get the songs out.
Writers sometimes call it lightning in a bottle. Armstrong’s debut album, Fearless Contribution sits squarely within this description. Written in the span of a few months, the record touches on themes that are timeless and does so with a positivity that’s contagious. Continue reading Empathy is at the Core of Heather Armstrong’s Debut Album ‘Fearless Contribution’