Canary - Handsome Stranger EP

                                   

Boston's own Canary have released their debut EP to the world titled Handsome Stranger. The disc is a delightful collection of indie rock tunes interspersed with a slight R&B touch that puts them on a whole different pedestal among the crop of new artists breaking out onto the scene today.

The disc opens up with a bang on "I Never Said", a passionate, jazzed up no holds barred track that introduces us to lead singer Jackie Berkley's amazing and passionate vocal prowess that adds a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to this and all of the other tracks featured here on the disc. We move on ahead with "You Couldn't Hold On", a more toned down number that features terrific work on the keys courtesy of Alex Hartley and Jackie's vocals moving down a couple of notches, but still retains the delicate passion that was displayed on the prior track and continues to elevate the disc to whole new heights. The EP's title track picks back up the pace displayed on the first track, and continues its exploration of R&B toned rock rhythms and Jackie's vocals once again putting all the group's ferocious firepower on display in this wonderful and captivating track. The disc's finale is the soulful "Daddy Ain't Comin' Home", a track that sees Jackie's vocals drawing some influence from the early 60's Motown era for this one and is a deep, soulful ballad that ties everything up in one neat package and is the perfect way to close out the disc. I had the opportunity to catch these guys in concert a couple of months ago at Tommy Doyle's in Cambridge and they put on an amazing show in a venue that I felt was perfectly suited for them. There's just something about performing in small bars that really makes your music pop and sizzle and gives you much more notice versus performing in a crowded bar where no one can really hear you. An absolutely terrific band and one to check out whenever you get the chance!

Overall, a great first effort from Canary, who have clearly demonstrated that they have the skills and talent necessary to get noticed in the scene and have a real knack for adding deep R&B tones into their music that makes them a very diverse and entertaining group all the way around.

                                                                                                                                  Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. I Never Said
2. You Couldn't Hold On
3. Handsome Stranger
4. Daddy Ain't Comin' Home