Turned To Gold
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
This 4th album from the folk/country artist Sarah Jane Scouten comes after an attempt to leave songwriting for work in the medical field, where darkness and intimacy comprise the 10 thoughtful tunes that brought the Canadian back to her art.
The very warm and harmonic “Wanderlust” opens the listen with James McEleney’s mesmerizing bass suiting Scouten’s absorbing vocals, and “The Great Unknown” follows with Leon Power’s light drums and Anna Scouten’s harmony vocals adding much allure to the dreaminess.
The middle spot belongs to the jangly fun of “Dragonheart”, where nods to Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks are much appreciated, while the title track benefits highly from Matt Kelly’s well timed keys amid the soulful quality of the timeless folk climate.
Near to the end, “Is It Just The Whisky Talking?” is a vulnerable album highlight that’s poetic and pretty, and “Little Band Of Gold” exits with piano balladry that’s powerful, emotive and stirring.
Scouten’s got an impressive resume that includes 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards, a Western Canadian Music Award and an International Folk Music Award, and this soul searching body of work will certainly stack more accolades on top of that.
Travels well with: Setting Sun- The Feelings Cure; Lily & Madeleine- Nite Swim