Kindergarten Heart
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The Montreal resident and singer songwriter Shaina Hayes brings her guitar playing and expressive singing to these 10 songs that welcome some friends for a childlike wonder.
“Early Riser” starts the listen with dreamy guitar and Thanya Iyer’s intimate voice that make for much beauty, and the title track follows with Noémie Sylvestre’s poetic pipes and Jérôme Beaulieu’s sophisticated piano creating a rich and heartfelt climate.
Further along, Étienne Dupré’s synth adds much intrigue to the charming version of folk-pop, while “Heat Wave” recruits a distinct intimacy via the eloquent singing and a light ambience.
Residing close to the end, “Fool Forlorn” is a warm acoustic strummer that showcases Hayes’ gorgeous singing and Francis Ledoux’s agile drumming, and “Mastery” exits with Kaitlyn Raitz’s soft cello and Ben Plotnick’s violin and viola that give the careful closer an orchestral influence.
A sophomore effort that’s full of wonder and awe, Hayes’ songwriting is full of atmosphere, ethereal singing, memorable melodies and well thought out wordplay for a unique version of modern folk-pop.
Travels well with: Abigail Lapell- Anniversary; Lowland Hum- At Home