FRESH TRACKS: Stacy Lloyd Brown returns with charming new album

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The lifetime of a singer-songwriter tends to be one among solitude. Seclusion isn’t a prerequisite to pursuing a profession as a solo folkie, however it could actually act as a catalyst for composing songs wealthy in melancholy and introspection. Edmonton’s Stacy Lloyd Brown was capable of conjure an album consisting of 10 sombre, smooth songs from the silence, chiseling away at it like a sonic sculptor till he uncovered the naked essence of the tracks.

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Brown, born in Grande Prairie however now calling Grime Metropolis residence, says that is his first assortment of music in 10 years, having chased a detour that led him again to music. The ensuing album, Rhubarb Pie, is a solo affair with all devices carried out and recorded by him in his small residence studio using handbuilt studio gear. He attributes the album’s hushed high quality to “not eager to disturb the neighbours whereas recording within the wee hours of the night time.”

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It must be said that describing Rhubarb Pie as “quiet” doesn’t imply it’s boring. Songs swing from delicate acoustic (Weeping Willow) to rollicking ditties (Your Two Cents), retaining the sound vibrant and wealthy.

Album standout Fangs of Fortune options Brown crooning in a Justin Vernon register as sound results chime within the distance. The observe is wistful whereas additionally forward-leaning, beautiful and delicate.

The general sound of the album is sparse, with many tracks centered solely on a strummed acoustic guitar and Brown’s vocals. Elsewhere, joyous rubbery bass offsets the heartbreak on the observe My Glass Eyes. The title observe includes a piano wealthy in reverb, as Brown sings about his journey historical past, on the lookout for a bit of thoughts, all whereas sounding as if the music was recorded in an deserted grain solo. Highly effective stuff. Falling Down sees Brown joined on vocals by Alia Teha, whose mild coo wraps the music in a comfy heat blanket.

Rhubarb Pie is a strong assortment of songs apt for a Sunday morning hear. Hopefully Brown gained’t wait one other decade earlier than he releases one other album.

Hearken to Rhubarb Pie on all main streaming websites. Brown’s subsequent Edmonton gig is Oct. 27 at Metro Cinema forward of the screening of the documentary Have You Acquired It But? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd.