Lorrie Matheson “In Vein” (Independent, 2009)

Another Canadian gem

Matheson appears to be a big noise in Calgary according to his bio. On this, his third release, he makes a good case for escaping the boundaries of that rodeo city to ride into a wider arena.
The first thing one notices about this album, due to the weirdness that creeps from the speakers on the first track, is the sonic adventures Matheson employs to adorn what turns out to be a superior collection of poppy folk songs. The likes of Wilco’s soundscapes throb throughout. The opening song “A Hollow Wind” after the David Lynch type introduction settles down to a countryesque tramp before a glorious vocal and guitar coda that immediately lifts the spirits. “Falling Down Sober” has whispered vocals and a laid back pulse that give the song a sense of the current incarnation of Giant Sand. “Another Seven minutes (Shot to Hell) has that Wilco touch with elements of Tweedy’s weedy vocals and a VanDyke/Beach Boys chorus. Much of the lyrical content is gloomy but not depressing. Time and time again one is entranced by the musicians. Gone has a spooky tone throughout amplified by throbbing bass and percussion that sounds as if someone is hitting a water pipe. Matheson’s vocals are treated at times to blend in with the music. This sounds as good as some of Mark Mulcahey’s baroque takes on pop.
Overall this is an excellent album, well produced and adventurous. The only quibble would be the near illegibility of the sleeve notes as they are as dark as this music is illuminating.

Date review added:  Monday, January 26, 2009
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Website