Chinook Waltz
Borealis, 2021
9/10
A Western Canada outfit spearheaded by the married couple Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell, as Over The Moon they pen a distinct brand of Americana that welcomes vintage western swing, Appalachian old time, and cowboy blues to the very diverse Chinook Waltz.
“Lonesome Bluebird” starts the album with warm banjo and soothing vocal harmonies in the dreamy opener that welcomes Aaron Young’s high strung guitar, and “Someday Soon” follows with Levesque’s poetic singing amid Bruce Hoffman’s glowing pedal steel and Denis Keldie’s well timed accordion.
At the midpoint, “I Can’t Get Over You” is a very intimate interpretation of the Buddy and Julie Miller classic, where Keith Floen’s graceful piano makes a big impression, while “John Ware” offers a quicker tune with fiddle, mandolin, accordion and others meshing in a cozy, rootsy feel. “I’m Not Cool”, one of the album’s best, is then a stylish, retro flavored track with Cedic Blary’s clarinet and Jason Valleau’s bass helping cultivate a climate that might best be suited for a speakeasy.
“When She Rides” arrives near the end and soars with incredible singing from Levesque and Bignell alongside the melodic fiddle, mandolin, keys and acoustic guitars, and the title track exits the listen with much rural beauty that even adds the sounds of nature into the background.
A very detailed effort that’s full of folk and roots qualities, too, Over The Moon are well versed at both vulnerable moments and swinging sounds on a listen that’s all substance and heartfelt from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Rigby Summer- Geography; Riddy Arman- Riddy Arman