Pink Lem
Pinkfoot, 2022
8/10
The Toronto jam band Danceland are spearheaded by Joe Ferland and his wife Jale, and this first batch of songs in over a decade for Ferland were birthed as a result of his mother’s passing. A Deadhead in his youth, Pink Lem explores similar ideas, and embraces psychedelia and Americana along the way.
“Bluewater Sky” starts the listen with swift drumming and warm strumming as well timed keys and harmonic singing make for a glorious opening, and “Don’t Act Surprised” follows with a charming, thumping approach that touches on folk-rock amid the rootsy melodies.
“Protection Mantra” and “Down On Me” occupy the middle spots, where the former gets a bit mysterious in a dreamy, Eastern influenced sort of way, while the latter finds itself in intimate areas of gentle guitars, expressive singing and well timed pedal steel.
Close to the end, “Not Without A Fight” emits very pretty singing amid the emotive and soothing song craft, and “4:20” finishes the listen with plenty of retro-rock nods that jangle a bit and possess plenty of ‘60s sensibilities.
Joe and Jale welcome Frank Dias (bass), Burt Gidaro (keyboards), Brad Park (drums, percussion), Brad Cassel (vocals, percussion) and Michael Eckert (pedal steel) to the affair, and it’s a playful effort that also touches on funk and space-rock moments while still staying very much true to their roots as the Cherry Garcia Band, which alone gives you great insight into this excellent debut.
Travels well with: Ever More Nest- Out Here Now; Sleepyard- Head Values