The Warped 45’s “10 Day Poem For Saskatchewan” (Pheromone, 2009)

Nothing warped here.

This CD has been on my player for the past six weeks and it’s taken me ages to get to do this review. My apologies – I didn’t want to share my views with you, until I had to. I wanted to keep this band all to myself. Cos I’m selfish like that.

This roots rock/alt-country band hail from Ontario and can claim many others as influences. Tom Petty, Neil Young, Wilco, Blue Rodeo, The Band and Merle Haggard to name but a few. These guys ooze harmonies, multiple voices and a very instant and accessible sound.

Opening with the title track, things get better and better, and the opener is one of the best on the album. Eeek. ‘Progress’ is a boppy little ditty, whilst ‘Really Don’t Mind’ rocks it up with it’s shredded guitar. ‘Two Month Old Apologies’ could have been written for my situation re this album – it was released back in August.

‘Why Oh Why’ is 2 minutes and 56 seconds of sheer harmonic joy. ‘Trestle For A Train’ swings by with a mournful melody and the great songs keep coming and coming. ‘Why Have You Passed Me By Grim Reaper’ finishes the album as strongly as it began.

Back in June they won the NXNE Fan Choice award, earning themselves $10,000 and it’s easy to see why. Most of the songs here will translate into an excellent live set, so here’s hoping they come to the UK so we can all see what they can do in front of a crowd.

Date review added:  Sunday, December 13, 2009
Reviewer:  Phil Edwards
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  The Warped 45s website