E.R.I.E.

Suburban Mayhem

Mint 400, 2023

10/10

Listen to Surburban Mayhem

An Albany, New York outfit with a penchant for punk sounds that might remind you of Frank Turner or The Menzingers, this sophomore album from E.R.I.E. i.e. TJ Foster (guitar, vocals, programming, keys), Matt Delgado (guitars, backing vocals), Chad Flewwelling (drums) and Levi Jennes (bass) surrounds themes of doom-scrolling, school shootings, and even grooming in the rock’n’roll scene.

“Oh Well” opens the listen with a breathy, acoustic guitar fueled climate, which builds into a thumping, anthemic rocker that’s quite impressive, and “Bad Man’s World” follows with all the hallmarks of a great punk tune- bouncy bass, hard hitting drums, swirling guitar and melodic vocals that immediately invites a sing-along.

Closer to the middle, “Long Way Around” welcomes sax from Andrew Grella and Nathaniel McKeever’s trumpet and Elias Assimakapolous’ trombone for the calm versus busy textures that are strong on mood, while the dreamy “Can’t Stop Runnin’” escalates into a sturdy mid-tempo climate that’s full of grit and tunefulness.

Residing near the end, the well timed gang vocals of “The Motions” embraces some post-punk nods amid the dynamic rhythm section, and “Suburban Mayhem (Holy Fuck)” exits with a great balance between driving guitar, cathartic singing and an emotional intensity that’s harmonic yet rugged.

As someone who’s been milling around the punk scene for 30+ years, it’s pretty rare I find myself truly exited about anything falling in the pop-punk realm. The last time might be Banner Pilot’s 2009 album, Collapser. E.R.I.E, however, are about as great as modern punk can get, especially if bands like The Gaslight Anthem, Run Forever or Against Me! mean anything to you.

Travels well with: Gentleman Rogues- A History Of Fatalism; Teenage Bottlerockets- So Dumb/So Stoked

Jesse Blake Rundle

Next Town’s Trees

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Next Town’s Trees

The Idaho folk musician Jesse Blake Rundle welcomes pop, electronica, rock and classical ideas into his thoughtful song craft, where these 8 songs contain plenty of rich sounds that surround many changes in his life.

“Fire” opens the listen with warm acoustic strumming and smooth vocals from Rundle, as Jonny Enright’s soaring trombone and Nate Agenbroad’s agile drumming complement the lush climate, and “Fools & Ghosts” follows with a thicker template that touches on nostalgic rock ideas thanks to the thumping drums and Agenbroad’s well timed bass.

At the halfway point, “White Hot” offers a bare and very intimate ballad that showcases Rundle’s poetic pipes and mesmerizing guitar playing, while “Yes, I’m Angry” illuminates Yoed Nir’s cello and string arrangements for the orchestral feel of the album’s best.

The title track and “Stones” exits the listen, where the former emits both a dreamy and mysterious quality of cozy, adventurous songwriting, and the latter benefits from sophisticated piano and powerful singing that’s highly emotive.

An album that was penned when Rundle was departing the church, coming to terms with his sexuality, starting a relationship with a man and embracing sobriety, this is a very well thought out listen full of self-examination from a superbly creative mind.

Travels well with: Radical Face- Therapy; Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings- Love Is The Only Thing

Joseph Swift

Room To Breathe

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Room To Breathe

An educator, performer and bassoonist, Joseph Swift makes quite an impression with this debut that welcomes Calvin Hu’s skilled piano for the 5 eloquent and expressive pieces.

“Dueling Realities” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where the wind and keys interact with a lively, nearly cinematic quality that’s firm, unpredictable and memorable, and “Mother Time, Father Nature” follows with the soothing bassoon amid the dense piano playing that recruits both tension and melody.

The middle track belongs to the stirring intimacy of “i.C.u”, where the graceful wind flows with much attention to mood, while “Indigo Bunting” emits dreamy keys and absorbing bassoon playing that builds into swirling mystery. The final track, “Swift”, uses lower registers on piano and indeed swift progressions, as the bassoon anchors the exit with a meticulous nature.

An excellent debut, the chemistry between Swift and Hu is quite fascinating, and their delivery admirable. Let’s hope this isn’t the only collaboration between the pair.

Travels well with: Daniil Trifonov- BACH: The Art Of Life; Peter Gregson- Patina

Beatings Are In The Body

Beatings Are In The Body

For The Living And The Dead, 2023

9/10

Listen to Beatings Are In The Body

An all star assembly of 3 of Canada’s best in the area of experimental music, Erika Angell, Róisin Adams and Peggy Lee come together as Beatings Are In The Body.

Adams’ warm piano and Lee’s mature cello opens the listen alongside Angell’s poetic and soft singing and talking that guides the cautious climate of “Blurry”, and “Trip Loop” follows with playful electronic tinkering and processed voices that pair the synthetic exploration with organic beauty.

“Rhiza” lands in the middle and recruits wordless vocal gestures with seemingly random ‘found object’ noises with much allure, while “Unfetter” showcases the firm piano amid Angell’s powerful, soaring pipes.

The best track, “Mermaid”, arrives near the end, and emits much calm, absorbing song craft thanks to the expressive singing, delicate keys and twinkling strings, and “I Don’t Want What She Has” exits with a stunning intimacy that makes an indelible impression.

All the players here have esteemed resumes, and together their collective skill makes for an abstract, eloquent and acoustic fueled first album that resonates with a unique and improvised spirit that you could never listen to just once.

Travels well with: Stranger Still- The Songs Still Are; Joseph Petric- Seen

Roxane Reddy

Jaywalking

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Jaywalking

The debut album from the Montréal artist Roxane Reddy, the singer-songwriter welcomes an all star cast for these atypical pop songs.

After the brief, dreamy “Deux mille vingt-deux” opens the listen with a hazy warmth, “Proies” follows with Reddy’s pretty, expressive pipes alongside Yannick Anctil’s graceful keys, Victoria Hebbard bright trumpet and Alain Bourgeois’ skilled drumming for the textured beauty.

Halfway through, “Fall”, which was recorded live, showcases Reddy’s poetic singing amid the graceful piano, while “Les baleines” follows in 2 movements that display Carl Mayotte’s strategic bass and Louis-Martin Ruest’s emotive guitar playing for the cultured atmosphere.

The last piece, “Eleanoir a Run” exits the listen with a stirring A capella focused track, where the flawless vocals are nothing short of stunning in the emotive finish.

A very colorful first album, Reddy tells stories you’re going to want to hear, and the nods to legends like Joni Mitchell and Pat Methany are much appreciated across the orchestral and Gaelic Irish moments of flexible songwriting.

Travels well with: Alex Lefaivre Quartet- Naufragés; Holly Burke- Dreamride

Low-Res

Därför

Adrian, 2023

9/10

Listen to Därför

A Stockholm outfit comprised of Patrick Alvarsson and Simon Ekstrand Appel, this 11 song album brings much energy and power to a listen that embraces post-punk ideas plus many more surprises.

The strong attention to atmosphere of “Stigma” opens the listen with Johan Hinders’ soaring vocals across the bright post-punk that buzzes with plenty of nostalgic spirit, and “Helga” follows with some dense, low psychedelia that carries a firm beat amid a dreamy climate.

“Away” arrives in the middle and recruits Emelie Strange’s expressive pipes to the dream-pop nods that swirls with much melody, while “Gloom” benefits from Yulia Bizyukova’s smooth singing that complements the ethereal backdrop and crisp drumming.

Nearing the end, the cinematic fuzz of “Kitchen” showcases Maria Pettersson and Calle Olsson’s charming vocals, synths by Calle Olsson and flute by Konie for the album’s best, and title track exits with a glowing ambience of chilling, absorbing warmth.

An album that’s full of ‘90s guitar and analog synth that mashes early electro-pop, krautrock and psychedelia, this sophomore effort further cements Low-Res as one of the most exciting outfits out of Europe.

Travels well with: Miesha & The Spanks- Unconditional Love In Hi-Fi; Tungz- A Good Dream

Seven Impale

Summit

Karisma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Summit

The 3rd album from the Norwegian prog-rockers Seven Impale, Summit brings us 4 involved tracks that showcase their eclectic and exciting formula.

“Hunter” opens the listen with twinkling piano, before thick drumming and dense guitars flow alongside the deep, soaring vocals of the unpredictable rock that even touches on metallic ideas, and “Hydra” follows with reflective keys alongside the spacey nods that surrounds free jazz exploration amid the busy climate.

The back half of the listen belongs to “Ikaros” and “Sisyphos”, where the former emits layered vocals and symphonic, giant swells of multi-faceted rock, and the latter balances intimacy with thick bouts of wild brass, acrobatic drumming and swirling guitars.

It’s been 7 years since Seven Impale released a record, and during that time the members joined other bands, had children and finished their education. Despite the hiatus, the band sound better than ever, and will certainly appeal to fans of King Crimson or Meshuggah.

Travels well with: Arabs In Aspic- Progeria; Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep

Leagus

Flora Eallin

Is It Jazz?, 2023

8/10

Listen to Flora Eallin

An experimental and highly creative duo fron Norwy, Leagus balance structured moments with improvisation across these very diverse 12 pieces that never sit in one place very long.

“Kime” begins the listen with soft piano, where a chilling atmosphere unfolds with mystery, and “Flor” follows with unpredictable drumming and percussive sounds complementing the playful key acrobatics.

In the middle, “Nihkui” welcomes dreamy, poetic singing to the gorgeous climate, while “Vind” unfolds with frisky bass and bowed strings that illuminate the intimate textures.

Close to the end, “Eallin” births a mesmerizing display of subtle, reflective song craft, and “Hyperion” exits upbeat and rowdy, where wild brass is met with furious drums and a free jazz appeal you can’t help but admire.

A body of work that came to be due to the North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble commissioning Leagus to pen music for a ten member orchestra, the pair’s 10+ years playing together make for a very dynamic and unique listen, as the pianist Herborg Rundberg and guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad impress us from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Soft Ffog- Soft Ffog; Datadyr- Woolgathering

Evelyn Cools

Wilder Mind

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Wilder Mind

A quick EP from the folk-pop singer-songwriter Evelyn Cools, the 4 tracks here are populated by vivid storytelling and her powerful lyricism that surrounds both the beauty and uncertainty of this world.

“Loving You” begins the listen with warm piano alongside Cools’ expressive and absorbing pipes in the emotive climate, and “Wilder Mind” follows with cozy acoustic strumming and light drumming, as timeless folk ideas enter the eloquent beauty.

On the back half, the dreamy “Control” emits plenty of lifting melodies amid the gorgeously textured musicianship, and “Into Your World” exits with just gentle guitar and Cools’ inviting voice for the bare finish.

You might be reminded of Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Ray or Simon & Garfunkel when listening to Wilder Mind, and I don’t think anyone is going to have a problem with that.

Travels well with: Amy Jay- Awake Sleeper; Lauren Monroe- Messages From Aphrodite

Too Much Joy

All These Fucking Outtakes

Propeller, 2023

9/10

Listen to All These Fucking Outtakes

Too Much Joy released one of the best albums this year, All These Fucking Feelings, and they had enough leftover material for this very limited outtake record.

“What Good For The Banks” begins the listen with acrobatic drumming and melodic singing amid the swirling guitars, and “Better Than Being Alone” follows with thick grooves of charged yet cautious rock that’s crisp and tuneful.

Elsewhere, the vocally harmonic “My Future Ex-Wife” recruits a charming dreaminess that benefits much from the bouncy bass lines, while “Killer The Bichon Frise” uses warm keys and a stirring atmosphere for the sublime intimacy.

The gritty and soaring alt-rock of “Quiet As God” arrives near the end and is the record’s best, and “The Otter’s Return” exits with electro-pop buzzing that shifts into a very smooth and airy finish.

If you’ve heard any of their other work, you’re certainly going to appreciate this project. And even if you haven’t, you’ll likely find yourself a fan pretty quick, seeing as how Too Much Joy are making some of the best post-punk and alt-rock in recent history, where nods to Gang Of Four, Mission Of Burma and The Mekons won’t go unnoticed.

Travels well with: Too Much Joy- Mistakes Were Made; Mekons- Deserted

Brendan Regan

Swivel

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Swivel

Previously a drummer for several post-punk and indie bands from Toledo, Denver and Seattle, Brendan Regan traded his drumsticks for a guitar, and moved to the front of the stage for his personal and Celtic influenced songs that often look back at his youth.

“Trigger Town” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere, where Regan’s warm voice is met with Colin J. Nelson’s skilled drumming amid the moody pedal steel from Dan Tyack, and “Have No Reserve” follows with Kate Olson’s soothing woodwinds adding much to the dreamy beauty.

“Overpromises” arrives in the middle and features Tekla Waterfield’s soulful backing vocals for the stirring intimacy of the poetic album highlight, while “Have You Seen Wings?” showcases Rebecca Lomnicky’s graceful fiddle and the mature keys from Shadrack Scott in the melodic landscape.

“Opus Girl” and “People I Won’t Leave Behind” exit the listen, where the former embraces much ambience surrounding the soft, mysterious dynamics and the latter strums brightly with Regan’s expressive voice alongside lush and thoughtful instrumentation.

Regan has released several EPs, and this longer peek into his cautious, bittersweet formula that touches on nostalgic folk ideas and gothic, pop and country moments draws the listener in immediately.

Travels well with: The Salt Collective- Life; Talk Demonic- Various Seasides

Dallas McLaughlin

I Didn’t Start The Fire (And Other Lies)

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to I Didn’t Start The Fire (And Other Lies)

A Southern California renaissance man, Dallas McLaughlin plays in the bands and has worked as a writer for Fox, Disney and others. Here, however, we’re talking about his stand up comedy that is quickly gaining him new fans everywhere he goes.

After a brief intro with JedX, “Radio, Radio!” tells the story of McLaughlin from his early years breaking into entertainment as a DJ and all the antics that came along with that, and “The Jerk” follows with a story about how Steve Martin influenced McLaughlin and his run in with him while opening for Norm MacDonald that is so well told, it just makes you wish you were there.

Further along, McLaughlin relays his time dealing with kids while being a Mime at Sea World in “Mime Time”, while “(Local) Failed Celebrity” goes over a stint making a pilot that involved John Goodman.

“Bad Credit (Owes Me Five Bucks$!” then details him time fronting punk bands and all the oddness that comes with trying to exist in that genre, which anyone who’s played music can relate to.

Somewhere between spoken word and stand up comedy, Mclaughlin’s delivery has one eagerly awaiting every new piece to his hilarious stories. His observations are clever, his timing precise and his overall presence is one of a friendly soul that lacks any pretensions.

Travels well with: Richard Pryor- Live At The Comedy Store, 1973; Kyle Kinane- Shocks and Struts

Like Years

Vicissitudes

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Vicissitudes

This debut album from Like Years, which is fueled by the Portland, Oregon artist John Craig, explores insomnia, anxiety, existential angst and welcomes indie, pop, and cinematic ideas, as well as plenty of guests to the eclectic listen.

The record starts with Asher Fulero’s dreamy keyboards and Nathan Tucker’s well timed sax on the smooth, melodic and R&B tinted “Freeway”, and “Insomnia” follows with Reinhardt Melz’s skilled drumming highlighting the calm, lush textures of the ‘80s influenced delivery.

In the middle, “Run” recruits Harvey Rogers’ moody guitar to complement the animated synth-pop instrumental, while “The Optimist” carries traces of Latin rhythm amid the mid-tempo rocker and album highlight that makes great use of Mike Savage’s background vocals.

Nearing the end, “Wavves Of Light” radiates mystery via the mesmerizing and post-punk fueled haze, and “Out Of The Water” exits with ethereal group vocals, cultured percussion and hypnotic guitar for the absorbing finish.

It wasn’t long ago that Craig was working in the corporate world, but he quit that to focus on music and raise his daughters. An extremely creative first effort, there’s little doubt that Like Years has plenty more songs in the queue that we’re going to want to hear.

Travels well with: Film School- We Weren’t Here; Dewey Defeats Truman- The Way You Shatter

Toy City

Toy City

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Toy City

A duo comprised of the filmmaker Paul Burke and the sculptor Steve Shaheen, as Toy City the pair birth 9 sonically exciting and ‘90s spirited alt-rock tunes that welcomes John Russell (of Kal Marks) for mixing and producing.

“Do Re Mi” opens the listen with angular guitar work and raw drumming, where the melodic singing and post-punk nods are very much appreciated, and “Dinosaur” follows with strong attention to mood, as the dreamy appeal is met with a radiant warmth.

Elsewhere, “Glue-All” embraces a cinematic approach that emits a strategic buzzing and repetitive singing, while “Figure 5” touches on modern indie-rock ideas that’s both minimal and textured.

Close to the end, “Bicycle Thief” illustrates a gripping ambience that takes nods to post-rock ideas and is full of very skilled drumming, and “Imagine” exits with soft gestures and a hazy demeanor that finishes the listen far too soon.

Even though not a single note was recorded in the same room between the two, the songs here sound like they’re unfolding right in front of you, where Burke’s guitars, vocals, drums and piano suit Shaheen’s bass and midi manipulation that’s got an undercurrent of darkness, but not without striking melody.

Travels well with: Jenn Howard- Valiant Women; Arwen Lewis- Under The Stars

Tuomo And Markus

Game Changing

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Game Changing

The Finland duo Tuomo and Markus return with a sophomore album, where their unique brand of Nordic Americana and indie-folk touches on jazz and prog-rock across these careful 11 songs.

The title track opens the listen with twinkling keys, where much beauty enters alongside the gentle singing of the calm climate, and “Wishful Information” follows with waves of dreaminess that float above delicate melodies that places more emphasis on drumming.

Entering the middle, “Let This Season Go” find an intimate place to reside with its soft winds and stirring strings, while “Galway” showcases intricate acoustic guitar amid the poetic singing of the atmospheric album highlight.

“We’re Not Buying It” arrives near the end and offers a brighter demeanor that flirts with funk and soul, and “Hearing Voices” exits the listen with moody keys and cryptic singing populating the sci-fi friendly finish.

A listen that might remind you of Simon & Garfunkel or Crosby, Stills & Nash, the pair touch on themes of climate change, war and the global pandemic, and this 2nd record expands on their formula into very diverse and exciting avenues.

Travels well with: La Faute- Blue Girl Nice Day; Astral Swans- Astral Swans

Streetwise

The Road Ahead

DayQuest, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Road Ahead

The Brooklyn artist Raymond Castronovo, i.e. Streetwise, is as prolific as he is memorable, and this 3rd release in 3 years continues his timeless rock’n’roll that takes plenty of influence from the ‘60s.

“Pittsburgh” opens the listen with bouncy bass lines, vivid drumming, warm keys and smooth singing in the rhythmic and driving climate, and “Here With Me” follows with a cozy melody guiding the dance floor ready energy that’s nostalgic and welcomes back up vocals from Heather Simon.

Halfway through, the jangly “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” benefits much from Linda Mackley’s crisp drumming that helps illuminate the pretty vocal harmonies of the Carol King tune, while “The Tissue Song” lands in gentle balladry that surrounds the experience of raising children.

Close to the end, Streetwise’s interpretation of “The Twist” maintains all the enthusiasm of the original and showcases Castronovo’s superb guitar playing, and “Quarter To Four” exits with a retro spirit that’s complemented by Joe Martinez’s meticulous bass.

A listen that anyone with an ear for rock’n’roll from any era will enjoy, Castronovo returned to music in 2019 after choosing a more stable profession when he started his family years ago, and he’s helping preserve the time honored tradition of guitar focused song craft that’s often in short supply these days.

Travels well with: Streetwise- The Other Side; Streetwise- Crossing Bridges

Communism

Lovespeech

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lovespeech

A project spearheaded by the Canadian drummer and producer Don Kerr, as Communism he welcomes Kurt Swinghammer, Kevin Lacroix, Tom Richards, Paul Metcalfe, Emily Steinwell and John Pittman to this energetic and diverse sophomore album.

“I Held You Down” opens the listen with a firm beat, as Lacroix’s bass and synthesizer help make for a charming and lively energy, and “Step Away” follows with Swinghammer’s guitar and vocals helping cultivate a playful and upbeat demeanor.

Elsewhere, “Is It A Lie?” benefits much from Richards’ bright brass and Metcalf’s well timed saxophone for the precisely layered climate, while “Love In Your Heart” recruits Pittman’s charming trumpet for the dance floor ready album highlight.

Approaching the end, “What Are We Doing Here?” is populated by meticulous bass lines and frisky vocal acrobatics and “Us Together” exits with Steinwell’s dreamy flute amid the buzzing synth and quirky pop nods of the cinematic finish.

A very festive affair that doesn’t shy away from ‘80s influences, the themes of regret, yearning, empowerment, loss, psychedelia and chaos are presented in artistic ways that embrace funk, prog, and dance sounds that you can’t help but enjoy.

Travels well with: Caroline Wiles- Grateful; Lunar Bloom- Running Deep

miniaturized

miniaturized

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to miniaturized

An all star assembly of some of San Diego’s finest, the guitarist/vocalist Timothy Joseph (Buckfast Superbee, The Palace Ballroom, Phasers on Stun), drummers Mario Rubalcaba (Earthless, Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes) and Chris Prescott (Pinback, No Knife) and bassists Brian Desjean (No Knife, Mistress 77) and Chris Torres (Ron Blair band, Chris Torres Band) comprise miniaturized, who turn in 14 songs for this first album.

“Riots” starts the listen with a sci-fi buzzing, before warm guitar and gritty yet melodic singing enters the soft indie-rock, and “Blues Glass” follows with thumping drums and a bit of dreaminess populating the lush textures.

Further along, “Cave In” makes great use of fluid acoustic guitar and precise, rumbling bass, as the setting turns into a louder rocker, while the swift “The Most” makes the most of quirky keyboards amid the punchy alt-rock of the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Perfect Angles” recruits some pop ideas into the highly memorable, driving delivery, and the dense piano of “Why Don’t We Play God” exits with a slight jangle to the cautious yet animated modern-rock ideas.

As great of a debut as you’d expect from these players, fans of Pixies, Built To Spill, and the early days of R.E.M. should be highly impressed.

Travels well with: Loud Hound- It’s Okay To Be Lonely Part 1; Strange Parade- The Watchers

Goldbloom

Peaked In High School

cmntx, 2023

8/10

Listen to Peaked In High School

The trio of Blake Opper, Steve Williams and Grant Martin, as GoldBloom the Brooklyn outfit pen an exciting and unique spin on jazz across these adventurous 10 tracks.

The title track leads and makes an immediate impression with Opper’s smooth sax amid the hypnotic bass lines from Williams in the mesmerizing climate that’s very much rock focused, and “Trash King” follows with a calmer demeanor of dreamy song craft that benefits much from Martin’s skilled drumming alongside the soulful brass.

“September” lands in the middle, and is quite intimate, where the 3 show much restraint in the hazy beauty, while “Viewers Like You” displays the dynamic rhythm section that’s guided by Opper’s warm progressions on sax.

“Bison Copy” and “In Your Prime” exit the listen, where the former illustrates incredible bass playing that complements the soaring brass which builds into free jazz exploration, and the latter burns slow initially, before Martin’s animated drumming steers the listen into louder areas of alt-rock influenced jazz.

A raw, sometimes abrasive and solo filled affair, the Texas natives inject plenty of color and grooves into a fantastic debut finds the middle ground between arena rock and jazz improvisation.

Travels well with: Soft Ffog- Soft Ffog; Datadyr- Woolgathering

The Gina Furtado Project

I Hope You Have A Good Life

Mountain Home, 2019

8/10

Listen to I Hope You Have A Good Life

The banjo virtuoso Gina Furtado returns with a personal album where the songstress illustrates her eloquent and insightful perception of not only the world but herself as well.

“The First Pebble” gets the listen off to a playful start with bright vocals from Furtado and fun banjo acrobatics as well as backing strings, and “Airplane Ride” follows with calmer spirit of reflective and warm bluegrass.

Near the middle, “Shame” recruits a more tense atmosphere but with plenty of melody, while “Try” emits a soothing country spirit with plenty of solos. “Story Of An Artist”, one of the album’s best, then offers vivid storytelling with a pretty, ballad like setting.

Towards the end, “Take Your Time (I’ll Be Fine)” moves with a shuffling pace that will get your body moving, and the rowdy, funk filled “Can You Picture That?” puts males vocals into the equation on the feel good exit.

Ultimately a break up album, Furtado has really come into her own as a songwriter, and if I Hope You Have A Good Life is a new chapter in her life, it’s certainly one that gets closer to illustrating the immense talent this young woman possesses.

Travels well with: Chris Jones And The Night Drivers- The Choosing Road; Newtown- Old World