Noble Son/Jade Hairpins
Noble Son
Life Isn’t Fun // Independent
With bands such as The Glorious Sons, One Bad Son, and Son Howler, you would be forgiven for getting Noble Son mixed up with other Canadian artists, but once you hear Noble Son’s brand of wistful indie folk, the music will quickly distance itself from that of the rockier sons. Noble Son is Adam Kirschner’s solo moniker, but on his new album Life Isn’t Fun, Kirschner is joined by an impressive cast of musicians including producer Erik Nielsen (We Are The City, Deep Dark Woods), and multi-instrumentalists Matt Kelly (City & Colour), Andrew Rasmussen (Hey, Ocean!, Hannah Georgas), and Alex Dobson (Old Man Canyon, David Beckingham). Together they have created a deeply personal album that manages to be melancholic and effervescent.
Noble Son’s brand of effervescence never skips along quite like Syd Barret’s “Effervescing Elephant,” but like on Barret’s solo albums, there are some moments of glee peppered in amongst the pain, anxiety and despair. As far as comparisons go, the music of Andy Shauf and Death Cab for Cutie might serve as better reference points. Kirschner’s beautiful voice is the focal point on the songs, and the instruments all support the voice nicely, without ever fighting for the spotlight. The background vocalists also help to add a shine to the songs. You may not always notice the subtle harmonies, but the album wouldn’t be nearly as pretty without them. In fact you could say the same thing about most of the accompaniment. Everything works together to satisfy the needs of the songs, but nothing feels contrived. Kirschner has described his process as “taking yourself serious enough to create something worth listening to, while not serious enough that it becomes masturbation,” and he and the band have managed to make an album that is never boring, nor self-indulgent. It’s not that the instrumentation is overly minimalistic; there are lots of different keyboard sounds that join the mix throughout the record, but every part is tasteful. There’s nothing superfluous, and somehow the players make everything sound effortless.
The lyrics are personal and sincere, save for moments of satirical release. Themes of love and loss would fit these songs perfectly, and there is certainly some of that here, but there is also some social commentary worked in. On “Love Love Love” Kirschner sings, “When we are in danger we veer away from strangers preaching gender god and holocaust abortion mind control, well fuck respectul dialogue I feel emotional.” This line feels more like something from a journal entry, and it’s these candid glimpses into the mind of the songwriter that help provide the songs with another dimension. “Be Right Back” delivers more of these earnest observations, but it’s the shape of the song that makes it a standout on the album. It begins minimally with acoustic guitar and drums, before other instruments slowly join in until everything swells in a boisterous crescendo. The ironic part is that Kirschner is distantly repeating “sad” over and over as the music marches on triumphantly. Jubilant music alongside the repeated “sad” feels like a reminder that beautiful art often comes out of difficult times. There’s more range on on Life Isn’t Fun than the indie folk banner should allow, but there are also melancholic, introspective songs like the title track that help to ground the album. There are highs and lows, sunshine and rain, and everything flows cyclically. The moody instrumental “Lonelysome Creature (Interlude)” follows the exultant outro of “Be Right Back,” the acoustic plucking of “Life Isn’t Fun” follows the clamorous ending of “Ruin My Life,” and the album closer “Slim to None” serves as the walk home from the party.
It’s a shame that Noble Son probably won’t be able to slate a tour around the release of Life Isn’t Fun, but he has created an album that is perfect for solo walks, bike rides or hanging out at home. There’s sadness in knowing that festivals that bring music lovers together won’t happen this summer, but there’s joy in knowing that great artists like Noble Son are continuing to provide a fitting soundtrack for these weird times. This is the perfect album to complement both of those feelings.
- Devon Dozlaw
Jade Hairpins
Harmony Ave // Merge Records
Your longing for summer aren’t you? Itching to get out on a road trip or camping. Maybe you prefer patios and BBQ’s. Maybe your working on your summer soundtrack like I am? Music helps set the mood or the right atmosphere for your soul. I have found a few gems that will be a part of my summer soundtrack and playlists. Jade Hairpins new album Harmony Ave will definitely be one of them.
The album starts off with a bang. “J Terrapin” is such a fun breezy number that takes you by the hand for a fun ride at the amusement park! Full of...Weeeeeeeee and a some Awwwwwww’s it screams fun fun fun!!
What I really dig about this album is has an array of different sounds. It flows with upbeat, fun, beach music reminiscent of the Beatles harmonies, and songwriting styles to 80’s synthwave Duran Duran mixed with Prince and a twist of lime.
“Yesterdang” has such bright guitar and keys. I’m sitting outside writing today and as I’m listening he sings about sunshine, watching birds, clouds, and flowers. All these things that I adore. This song is perfectly suited for outside and the dreamer in me.
“Dolly Dream” has a fun video you can check out! I really liked the way this one was shot. I was enamoured by the keys and guitar in this track, they emit that sunshine vibe paired with smooth harmonies. I feel the love and gratitude.
I also want to take a moment and say I’ve got to hear another collaboration they’ve been involved with. These musicians are very well rounded and It’s inspiring too for my own music. To hear them cross genres and styles with such ease. It’s so refreshing really! This album radiates love, bright like the sun. We all need a little more of this. Add some love and brightness to your summer and take a stroll down Harmony Ave with Jade Hairpins. I personally can’t wait to hit the highway with this one!
Signing off....
Green Noreen
