Reviews
Evangeline Gentle Album: Evangeline Gentle
Label: Sonic Unyon
Tracks: 1
Website: http://www.darlingside.com
Ontario singer songwriter Evangleine Gentle finally sees the global release of this eponymous debut album, almost one year after becoming available in Canada. Pandemics aside, this will be a landmark moment for the 23 year old, born on the North East coast of Scotland, and who moved to Canada when aged 11. The songs were all written over a three year period, in collaboration with producer and fellow Ontarian Jim Bryson, and the album release follows an earlier EP of 'a capella' songs that first demonstrated the emotional strength and dynamic warmth of Gentle's vocal style and of a musical striving that furthered a quest for universal connection and acceptance.
Written during periods of self-doubt in which early dreams of becoming a country music superstar were transformed into a spirit and passion for identity and purity, this ambition developed and evolved into a contemplative need to explore and make sense of the world, whilst seeking collective harmony and justice for all. The result is a collection of songs that chart a biographic journey through the currents and eddies, riding upon a raft of different styles whilst reliving experiences of the past as well as forging dreams for the future.
Gentle's voice is a rich balance of strength and vulnerability. There is an elemental warmth that radiates from each song, pulsing directly from the heart, desperate to avoid the pangs of anger or resentment, yet steadfastly refusing to waver from the powers of conviction and justice. The result is a sweetness and a richness that is put to fervent effect whilst simultaneously invoking a lush vibrato quality.
The ten tracks on the album begin with 'Drop My Name', a championing statement of intent that is deceptively dreamy, yet with the no-nonsense line 'I'm nobody's toy, I'm nobody's second best' which leaves nobody in any doubt as to her single-minded determination. 'Ordinary People' is a country-tinged folk song with electric guitar and gentle banjo that celebrates the strength that is s required in order to face life's injustices. There is an earnest timbre to the single 'Sundays' that reminds of Stevie Nicks - it is a gentle love song with a weaving bassline that serves as a confession to feelings of insecurity, but is bolstered by the affirmations provided by a close emotional bond.
'Even If' is somewhat darker, an intimate breathy number that is jazz-tinged, with the feel of a French cinema soundtrack. 'So It Goes' wavers between summer anthem and timeless folk song, with memories of teenage love thrown in for good measure. It precedes 'The Strongest People Have Tender Hearts', possibly the most powerful song on the album with a melancholic piano providing a haunting accompaniment in this celebration of human strength viewed in the light of #MeToo. Another two love songs follow, before 'Digging My Grave' unearths its dark seam and its cautionary tale of addictive relationships and warnings unheeded.
By the time we get to the positive and uplifting finale of 'Good and Guided' it feels as though we have been on a truly remarkable emotional journey in the company of this fine young songwriter. There is an undeniable honesty contained within the ten songs that is as illuminating to experience as it must have been cathartic to write. Producer Jim Bryson's bass playing and keyboards add a level of richness and contemporary coolness which sits comfortably with Gentle's blend of Celtic influence and adopted Americana. The result is an album that is a rare delight in a crowded marketplace, and richly deserves its place on my Autumn playlist.
David Aukland
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