Like A River
Self-Released, 2017
8/10
An outfit fronted by Dwight Druick that evolved from a duet into this much fuller vision, this 2nd album from Allbut6ix touches on many genres as Druick and company weave in and out of upbeat and optimistic song craft that sounds as relevant today as it will in 50 years.
“Beautiful World” starts the listen percussively strong as soulful vocals amid mature melodies make an impression, and “Like A River” follows with warm guitar work as a smooth delivery of timeless soft rock unfolds with much grace.
Near the middle, “Everyday People” is full of heartfelt blues ideas alongside strategic organ, while “Body Rise” recruits plenty of funk in the playful landscape that benefits from backing vocals, too. “Coppermine” exits the listen and is the stand out track, as folk and roots nods are fleshed out with much precision present in its universally embraceable songwriting.
A Canada native who made his way to London and then landed a record deal, Druick has been honing his art for decades, and has even penned music for film and TV along the way. With Allbut6ix, he’s doing some of his best work to date, as evidenced by this thoughtful, articulate and absorbing effort.
Travels well with: Satellites- Love And Disaster; This Time- Two