Hope Dies Last
Stony Plain, 2021
9/10
The Canadian bluesman Steve Marriner might best be known as the frontman for MonkeyJunk, who have enjoyed a lengthy and esteemed career, and here he’s on his own with a diverse solo album that embraces roots rock into his timeless and thoughtful formula.
“Take Me To The City” starts the listen percussively strong and with firm drumming as Marriner’s soulful pipes guide the lively rocker, and “Honey Bee” follows a stylish, bluesy display of gritty melodies.
“Coal Mine” lands in the middle and brings a warm Americana spirit that flows with both beauty and ruggedness, while “Enough” brings the volume down to balladry that recruits sublime female vocals and pedal steel to the cautious landscape. “Petite Danse”, another excellent song, then gets playful amid punchy drumming, jumpy keys and spirited guitar work.
Closer to the end, “Hear My Heart’ displays incredible harmonica alongside thumping drums, and “Long Way Down” exits the listen bare with just acoustic guitar and Marriner’s expressive pipes.
An album birthed during Covid but that draws from many years on the road, Marriner puts his multi-instrumental skills to good use here, as well as his recently acquired engineering and mixing experience, and it results in sturdy rockers and intimacy that again cements him as one of Canada’s greatest songwriters.
Travels well with: Rory Block- Prove It On Me; Steve Strongman- Tired Of Talkin’