Noise 101: CD Reviews for Feb. 13
Love Is Louder (Than All This Noise) Pt. 1 & 2
Self-released
Score: A
Funded through a successful Indiegogo campaign, Craig Cardiff is back with his latest release — a two-part double disc, Love Is Louder (Than All This Noise). Part 1 is a full studio album, while Part 2 is comprised of beautiful acoustic versions of Part 1 tracks.
Arguably, the best track on the release is either version of the titular track. The studio version is upbeat, yet still contains the calming, folk tones that Cardiff is known for. The acoustic version is much softer and warmer while keeping the same feel. “Father Daughter Dance,” also featured on both Part 1 and 2, is a soft-spoken, track about the Father/Daughter relationship that just bleeds love.
This latest release by Cardiff is proof that good things will come out of passion and love — and he did it all on his own terms. If you’re a fan of folk, this album is a must.
—Becca Paterson
On the Rise
Self-Released
Score: B+
Five talented Calgarians have teamed up and formed Whiskeyjack, a bluegrass-jazz-rock influenced folk group, who released their first album in January titled On the Rise with nine tracks — including a cover of “House of the Rising Sun.”
On the Rise opens up with “There and Back Again,” a spine chilling instrumental that leads to a catchy beat with well-crafted lyrics. The bluegrass vocals of Megan McMaster mixed with gruff chords of Aaron Purdy tie together to make the track memorable. “Love is an Easy Thing to Lose,” showcases the musical talents of Whiskeyjack, including the unforgettable sound of the accordion, the country twang of a banjo and the vocals of McMaster and Purdy. The lyrics are a reminder that although love is powerful and beautiful, it can be easily taken away.
As a whole, On the Rise is a solid showcase of the musical talent Calgary has to offer.
— Hannah Cawsey
The Royal Oui
File Under Music
Score: B
The Royal Oui’s husband and wife duo, Ari Shine and Adrienne Pierce just released their self-titled debut album, a follow-up to their first EP, Forecast, released in Oct. 2013.
Even with a label backing them, The Royal Oui has done all of the work themselves, and it paid off. With a beautiful balance between the soft vocals of “Shine” and “Pierce”, this album thrives on its home-grown, simplistic feel, and the love song, “True,” is probably the best demonstration of that.
“Dirty Snow” is a grittier track — but only just — that compliments the softness of the rest of the album. The album finishes off with “Montauk (This Is the End),” a breakup song that provides a nice element of closure.
This album is a strong debut for the duo. If this is only their beginning, I would expect much more great music to come.
— Becca Paterson