Songs To A Wild God
Tunnel Mountain, 2024
9/10
The Canadian singer-songwriter Mallory Chipman is in some excellent company for these 10 folk spirited songs.
“O Child Of The Mountain God” starts the listen with Chipman’s spoken word that uses warm banjo thanks to Brett Hansen and takes inspiration from Chipman’s upbringing in Banff, and “I Am Slumber” follows with the soaring vocals that suit the melodic 12 string guitar that’s not short on harmonies.
Further along, “Same Hands” showcases Chipman’s cozy piano amid Jon Guenter’s well timed drums in a dreamy landscape, while “Sing Me Home” employs soothing vocal harmonies and rich woodwinds for the lush album highlight.
“Wild Creek” and “Big Sky Country” exit the listen. The former welcomes a slide guitar solo, as the folk-rock climate builds thanks to the strategic bass, and the latter is an acoustic moment that’s heartfelt and warrants singing along to the gorgeous wordplay.
A record of sublime and timeless folk songs, Chipman’s delivery is unmatched and the tracks are easy to relate to and enjoy via her ‘Canadiana’ formula.
Travels well with: Jenny Burtis- Woodbird; Amy Speace- The American Dream