Beginning the record with a dancehall radio ballad dream entitled “Eulogy For Whiskers, Part 1″, Whitehorse certainly set themselves apart from the crowd of country-folk mix that seems to have suddenly permeated the country. What is perhaps even more incredible, though, is the follow-up to this lazy, tripped-out modern take on a ballad is unmistakable rockabilly rock ‘n’ roll with harmonies to boot on “Killing Time Is Murder”, which is available for free download below.
This duo owes their lyrical passion and musical complementariness to the fact that they are partners on and off the stage – a connection that I personally think always shines through in art. Although both Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet had achieved quite a name for themselves as solo artists, this couple decided to team up and the result is almost as magical as the fact that some people can still also create a successful marriage.
In Canada, they have won such prestigious awards as Junos, Independent Music Awards and Polaris; listening to their slow-burning cover of Springsteen‘s “I’m On Fire”, it is easy to see why. Their record, which is self-titled (“Whitehorse”), is a mere eight songs long, but they certainly pack a punch. “Passenger 24″ reveals just how rough they can get, with raw guitars and edgy lyrics, and even that ’70s-style whirling guitar that almost sounds reminiscent of Footloose, but works perfectly in this context.
Released in Canada by Six Shooter Records, the Toronto couple are currently residing in New York and are planning a US tour coming up this year. This will be just another gem from Canada that will find a crowning place in the diadem of American music; these two certainly know what they’re doing and their passion is obvious. Traveling easily between rough and ready, to the break-up ballad of “Broken”, and even haunting guitar strumming-based tracks like “Emerald Isle”, Whitehorse will work their way into any heart. For those who like the old country sound of Emmylou Harris, or even more recent releases like Gram Parsons, Whitehorse’s record is definitely worth a listen … and another. And another.
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