This sophomore release from the poppy husband-wife project of ever-prolific Black Francis and Violet Clark got right on top of me. Continue reading “Grand Duchy – Let the People Speak”
Grand Duchy – Let the People Speak
Paley & Francis – Paley & Francis
This eponymous release from two alternative giants – Reid Paley and Black Francis – likely should have caused some sort of stir amongst music nerds, but it came as some surprise to open it up in the Stylus office. Continue reading “Paley & Francis – Paley & Francis”
TERRA LIGHTFOOT – Terra Lightfoot
A sleeping wolf, a feisty wolf – what album art could better depict the nature of Terra Lightfoot’s eponymous debut? Released this September on Hamilton based indie label Sonic Unyon, Lightfoot proffers an album that creeps from cool mellow alt-country tracks and minimalist folk ballads to brazen country and rock. With an unexpected nimbleness, Lightfoot hooks the listener changing the pace and direction of her songs, most notably on “Lucid Dreams” – a song about revisiting a past relationship through sleep that begins with cello and guitar and culminates in an intensely emotional rock jam. Known for her work in the roots-country group The Dinner Belles, Lightfoot’s subtle math-rock influence is a nice touch, making these songs distinct from most of the other indie-folk femmes bopping around today. Dale Morningstar (Gordon Downie, Godspeed You! Black Emperor) produces the 25 year-old’s lush first album. Sorrowful generally, with a bit of whimsy – this old sleepy wolf, this little playful one – sounds like a cross between The Cowboy Junkies and Julie Doiron (with a pinch of Don Caballero). If you missed Terra at the Lo Pub last week, make sure you don’t repeat the mistake next time she passes through town. (Sonic Unyon, sonicunyon.com) Cole Snyder