Fish & Bird
Album: Every Whisper is a Shout Across the Void
Label: Fiddle Head
Tracks: 9
Website: www.fishandbird.ca

A lot of lovely things have come out of Canada; maple syrup, moose and indie folksters Fish & Bird. Since 2006 they've been treading the folk scene, first as a duo and now as a five piece. Their new album 'Every Whisper is a Shout Across the Void' conjoins all of the best things about them. The beautifully blended heartfelt lyrics, the gift of knowing how to play their chosen instruments and that special knack of subtly and gently leaving their mark emblazoned on your brain.

This album is nine tracks of loveliness in different disguises. Opening track 'Well Run Dry' is the best way to get going and prepares you for what's to come over the next 40 or so minutes. It's a head bobber of a track and that's always good to start with. 'Effigy' is probably the most gorgeous track on the album. Plunky and chunky guitar chords and a little Irish jiggery mingling in the background. It's a cheerful yet sad tinged tune; it's a polite smile when you just want to switch off from the daily grind. And that's good because this is the tune you want in your ears at the end of the day.

'Crazy Dream' is sweet in a similar vein but just stops shy of being a full on romantic fluff storm. Zoe Guigueno's voice is worth waiting for; she adds that lovely feminine touch needed to keep the track on firmer ground. 'Circle Tune' is a little trickster. Just when you settle into its gentle embrace of pure instrumental activity it jumps out and lands a smack in your chops. How? Not many songs detail a dead horse minus its insides at 4am do they? All respect for sneaking it in but it's a slightly unpleasant image to be left with.

'Winnipeg' is a subtle love song that tries to cover itself like a shy teenager. It has a pretty poetic chat up line though; 'Will you blush like autumn trees and drop your leaves?' Only if you ask really nicely. The lyrics of 'Something Good' read like a self-help manual. The basic premise is be mad, be sad but know this - you'll be alright in the end. Bittersweet twinges but with the strength to wrench you into the future. 'Space Telescope' and 'Northern Lights' do the job of slowing the tempo down just enough for the end of the album with their dreamy vocals that have you mentally swaying in a cocoon of warm happiness. 'Boxes and Bottles' will have you aching for a happy ending for lead man Taylor Ashton.

Honest and from the heart if there's ever a man in need of a hug and a whisky it's Taylor. You feel for him on this one and can almost picture him singing to a lost love in the rain. Bless. 'Every Whisper...' is one folk album you shouldn't be without; it will keep you toasty warm through the long dark nights

Emma Sutherland
http://emmasutherland.posterous.com