Reviews
Artist: Madison Violet
Album: No Fool For Trying
Label: True North
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.myspace.com/madisonviolet
Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac are the two angel voiced singers who make up Madison Violet; formerly known as Mad Violet (which was confused with 80's psychedelic band The Mad Violets one too many times so they extended their name to something a little sweeter, although the origins of their name appears to be somewhat more of a mystery.) They met on the patio of Toronto Bar The Green Room, where they talked about Neil Young and Dolly Parton, amongst other topics. Madison Violet have played in the UK several times and interestingly, it seems, have had more impact in Europe and Australia than at home.
Their two previous CDs were recorded in London, UK with producer John Reynolds (Sinead O'Connor and U2, among others) but this, their third CD, came to life in their native Canada. with producer Les Cooper at the helm, accompanied on fiddle by Lisa’s brother, Ashley MacIsaac.
No Fool For Trying is their rootsiest effort to date, and takes us on a journey through somewhat darker material, with sparse but effective musical accompaniment, proving that sometimes less really is more.
The title track is very acoustic sounding, enhanced by the addition of standup bass, violin, mandolin and banjo. Ransom has the interesting lyric “The money ain’t coming in like I hoped/ And all this smoke / Is like a hammer in my throat/ It’s only rock and roll/ With a sold-out show/ Darlin’ please/ Can we go home?” I suspect this could be somewhat autobiographical, relating to the frustrations of life on the road – after all this duo are out there 9 months of the year!
Additions such as Baby in the Black and White and Best Part of your Love illustrate the duo’s country roots, Whilst Lauralee” picks up the pace , remisiscent of Dolly Parton in her early days.
Hallways of The Sage, was written in that very place, in Gateshead, whilst they were supporting another artist. Needless to say I have a soft spot for that song.
However, the highlight on this album for me is the heartbreaking The Woodshop, written about Brenley’s brother who was murdered in Toronto. ‘Dust to Dust and ashes 52’ relates to his being the 52nd homicide that year. The wood which their dad used to construct the urn – the box in the lyrics – was a special piece of wood he had kept forever. The girls the girls perfectly paint a simple picture of a grieving family as they recall "all your things came back in plastic bags" and I defy anyone not to be moved by the line, “your mother sets the table, one less cup, it's tearing out her heart"
All in all I think this is a stunning follow up to Caravans and their best recording effort yet. Hopefully, between this and their UK tour in September, they can continue to expand their much deserved fanbase here in the UK.
Helen Mitchell