Guest Edition #2
Welcome to a very special edition of the Quick Picks column.
For the next few weeks we will be bringing in some guest writers to helm this column and fill in for Matthew Belton. Fear not loyal followers, Matthew will return after taking some personal time away.
Last week, Napalmpom vocalist, PJ Lavergne took over this column and today we are very excited to share with you four mini-reviews from Megan Nash!
Megan hails from Saskatchewan and is an incredible singer/songwriter whose 2017 album, Seeker, earned her a JUNO nomination. We are expecting the follow-up to that album later this year (see: Most Anticipated of 2021) and are very happy to have her on board to tell you about four new Canadian releases that you need to hear.
Russell Louder - Humor
Soaring vocals, gorgeous harmonies, exciting tones, beautiful lyrics—just listen to this record PLEASE. Russell Louder is an artist to watch. Their debut album Humour is an excellent record full of memorable melodies and interesting arrangements. I can’t recommend it enough. Dance party approved poetry? Count me in.
Doug Hoyer - “The Crusader’s Call”
The instrumentation and arrangement in this song is beautiful, at times frantic, and completely endearing. The latest from Doug Hoyer is a hopeful offering that takes me back to long van drives across Canada in the early 2010s. Enjoy “The Crusader’s Call” on a moody spring day. The sun is coming.
iskwē - The Stars
iskwē reimagines her record acākosīk with a breathtaking EP titled The Stars. The arrangements are stunning and lend to a truly elegant listening experience. It has a moodiness that is reminiscent of Feist’s Metals while still channeling that Bjork energy that we’ve come to expect from iskwē. This EP is gorgeous.
Justin Rutledge - Islands
If you’re looking for a new singer-songwriter, acoustic-driven album to dig into then this is your record. Justin Rutledge’s latest album Islands has gorgeous production and tasteful arrangements. The real star of this show is his instrumental track “Federal Mail.” It’s a lovely song for a laid-back Sunday.
- Megan Nash