When The Magic Hits
Self-Released, 2021
10/10
The frontman for Canada’s Midnight Shine, this debut album from Adrian Sutherland has the guitarist and singer exploring personal issues with co-writes from Chris Gormley (The Trews) and Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo), among others, and help on instrumentation from Janice Powers (keys, organ), Johny Dymond (bass), Gary Craig (drums) and Jerry Roe (drums).
“Big City Dreams” gets the listen off to an impressive start with a warm intimacy that has Sutherland’s expressive pipes alongside calm drumming and well placed strings, and “Paranoia” follows with an upbeat and soulful version of roots rock that’s a bit more firm with its spirited guitar and thumping drums.
Moving along, “Once That Was You” flows with a hazy quality that displays Sutherland’s poetic singing in a very romantic delivery, while “Nowhere To Run”, the album’s best, is a flawless and melodic moment of touching Americana. “Right Here” then turns the volume up a bit as Sutherland incorporates a slight indie-rock buzzing into the swift rural rocker.
Nearing the end, “Make Me Better” lands in piano balladry, where Sutherland’s relatable story telling unfolds with a very heartfelt and forthright appeal, and “Politician Man”, 1 of 2 bonus tracks, exits the listen with some bluesy nods as both grit and melody enter the country rocker.
As one would expect considering the greatness achieved by Midnight Shine, When The Magic Hits is an incredible listen that’s emotionally honest, musically memorable and balances ruggedness with beauty in ways that resonate long after the music ends.
Travels well with: Leeroy Stagger- Strange Path; Midnight Shine- James Bay