Survive Each Other
Self-Released, 204
9/10
The Toronto outfit Austin John returns with another batch of pop and rock tunes that will resonate across the globe, where the frontman Todd Austin John Elsliger is joined by an all star cast.
The warm and cozy “Sadie” opens the listen with Ben Ball’s well timed drums and Shannon Buthcher’s soulful backing vocals illuminate the rich landscape, and the upbeat and jangly “Irrelevant” follows with Kurt Nielsen’s fluid bass adding much to the rock focused delivery that makes great use of Elsliger’s melodic guitar and expressive pipes.
The middle brings us the intimacy of “Stuck, where Stu Harrison’s agile keys won’t go unnoticed, while “Survive Each Other” offers a dense and soaring album highlight of crisp drums, swirling guitar and emotive bouts amid the driving pulse.
“Leave” and “You Make” exit the listen, as the former flirts with funk thanks to the lively brass bursts, and the latter finishes with a dreaminess that’s poetic, mesmerizing and alone worth the price of admission.
An eclectic body of work that can bring to mind Elvis Costello, Wilco or even Belle And Sebastian, whether this is your first taste of Austin John or you’ve been following for awhile, you’re going to be impressed.
Travels well with: Austin John- The Better Way Back When; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been