Omen
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A pair of folk artists from Canada who embrace many different ideas in their well thought out songwriting, Jaaji and Chelsey June, i.e. Twin Flames, return with a 3rd album that’s rich with flutes, traditional drums, and even throat singing.
The album leads with “Battlefields”, where a warm atmosphere blends into the duo’s soft, sublime vocal delivery that guides the beat heavy, pop focused landscape with harmonies in Inuttitut, and “Pisuppunga” follows with a dreamy folk-rock spirit where expressive singing from Jaaji is key as much beauty is present.
Close to the middle, the lone cover, “Grace Too”, a tribute to Gord Downie, has Chelsey handling most vocal duties with woodwinds and much grace that collides with bouts of cultured alt-rock in the very unique landscape, while “Giants” resides in bare piano balladry, amid stirring, emotive power. “Follow Me”, one of the record’s best, then offers a rhythmic and punchy take on modern rock, where grit and melody meet at a very interesting intersection.
Near the end, the title track recruits Andree Levesque Sioui, Nina Segalowitz, and Charlotte Qamaniq for a vocally strong and poetic display of both busy, profound musicianship and quiet ebbs of sophistication, and “Shadows” continues with a dramatic execution of strings, keys and Chelsey’s soaring pipes.
Few outfits are as diverse as Twin Flames, and their eloquent wordplay that surrounds global warming, addiction and mental health only adds to the appeal of Omen. Jaaji and Chelsey, who are married, also bring plenty of intimacy to this highly atypical experience that draws us in immediately.
Travels well with: The Trews- Civilianaires; The Tragically Hip- Now For Plan A