Out Of The Woods
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The 5th release from Durham County Poets, Out Of The Woods has the Canadian quintet touching on soul, roots, country, folk, R&B, and gospel in their inimitable brand of bluesy sounds.
“Working On It” opens the listen with smooth vocals and a warm groove alongside a bright horn section in the lively blues rocker, and “Together In The Groove” follows with a soulful, romantic spirit that benefits from Andy King’s trumpet solo and jazz fueled guitar work.
Later on, “Back At The Groove Shack” discusses the band’s reconciliation after months of not being able to play music together, and welcomes crisp drumming and intricate guitar work, while “Through The Glass” burns powerfully and emotively, where lyrically the tragic situation of watching a loved one die during the pandemic and not being to touch them, only to gesture through the glass, is expressed eloquently.
Inching towards the end, “I’ll Fall Too” recruits both folk and gospel moments into the very cozy demeanor, and “That’s What Makes Me Smile” finishes with Jim Zellar’s charming harmonica complementing the intimate, poetic storytelling.
Kevin Harvey (vocals), David Whyte (guitar, vocals), Carl Rufh (bass, vocals), Neil Elsmore (guitar, vocals) and Rob Couture (drums) make up the Durham County Poets, and along with many guests on brass, keys and backing vocals, they make it pretty clear why they’ve been Juno nominated with this diverse and heartfelt body of work.
Travels well with: The Slocan Ramblers- Up The Hill And Through The Fog; Crystal Shawanda- Church House Blues