Brace Yourself
E21, 2021
8/10
The Montreal outfit lead by Mary-Lynn Doorschuk, Wave 21 play the sort of riff friendly rock’n’roll that’s not tied to a specific time or genre, but is packed with melodies and harmonies, as John-Henri Macomber (vocals, keys), Stefan Doroschuk (bass, guitar, banjo, bvs, keys), Pete Schofield (drums), Alex Crowe (electric guitar), and Emmy-Lou Doroschuk, as well as some guests, flesh out 10 timeless songs.
“My Latest Song For You” starts the listen with glorious acoustic strumming as a summery folk tune unfolds with some grit and plenty of melody, and “All Over & Over” follows with help from Sam Roberts on backing vocals, where Scofield’s agile drumming helps cultivate a warm, retro-rock’n’roll spirit.
At the halfway point, ‘Way Far Back” recruits Steve Hill on pedal steel as glowing vocal harmonies enter the rootsy climate, while “Long May Love You” soars high with Doroschuk’s diverse pipes and Crowe’s electric guitar being especially noteworthy. “Why Does It Happen”, another graceful and nostalgic track, then welcomes plenty of backing vocals into the pretty atmosphere.
The classic tune, “Dreams”, lands near the end, where the band turn in a playful, upbeat version of the Fleetwood Mac song, and “Over The Moon” exits the listen with some well timed electronica entering the poetic and genuine finish.
The Doroschuk’s have a strong musical lineage, as Stefan was in Men Without Hats, and the name Wave 21 actually comes from the high school band that Ivan, Stefan and Colin Doroschuk played in, which would ultimately become Men Without Hats. The Doroschuk sisters are certainly keeping that familial theme of strong musicianship alive, and Brace Yourself is an accomplished and inviting sophomore album.
Travels well with: Twin Flames- Omen; Satellites- Love And Disaster