Back in 2016 I took a punt on Echoes In Time, the second album from Canadian duo/ensemble Sills & Smith and then three years later their third album, Maps ~ Burned Or Lost came under scrutiny. Both albums were not of my ‘usual digest’, but both turned out to be enjoyable listens and albums I return to from time to time. Moving forward another three years to Tendrils (2021), the debut album from Halcyon Phase appeared in the list of TPA albums ‘available for review’. A quick check revealed that Halcyon Phase was the joint enterprise of Frank Smith and producer/multi-instrumentalist Phillip Victor Bova, who worked with Sills & Smith on several albums. So, I was keen enough to take on a review of this new project, however the much missed and fellow TPA scribe Jez Rowden, asked if I would mind if he took on the review of Tendrils. We had previously chatted about the Sills & Smith albums, so I was more than happy to forgo reviewing Tendrils as not only was Jez such a lovely writer but I was also curious to read a different take on the music.
In many respects Tendrils was a natural progression to the Sills & Smith albums, principally as Frank Smith was/is responsible for the lyrics, the music composition and the vocals. It is also fair to say Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice is a worthy sequel and/or companion to Tendrils. Once again Frank’s lyrics tackle a broad spectrum: environmental issues, global warming, the human condition, social injustice, relationships and AI in this “perilous moment in our history”.
Similarly the music draws from a diverse pool – indie, folk, AOR, jazz, all delivered by Frank’s distinctly rugged and care warn vocals, ably supported by a strong cast of harmony vocalists. The music is for the most part laid-back, but not without dynamics and power when required. Performed by top notch musicians, the arrangements complement Frank’s strong story-telling and worldly observant lyrics, something we pick up on the first single AI World.
If you took the opportunity to listen AI World an opinion may have been reached? Well, one thing I discovered when listening to the previous Sills & Smith albums and the previous Halcyon Phase release is you need to listen to them in full before reaching any firm conclusions. Only then will you fully start to appreciate these mature, radio friendly songs. A case in point – across the 2024 festive season I finally found the time properly listen to David Gilmour’s Luck and Strange, which turned out to be much, much stronger than my initial cursory listening had indicated. I mention Luck and Strange here, for two reasons, the first touching on forming an opinion without having the full facts, secondly and without particularly sounding like each other, there were times when the two albums sat comfortably together. Nicely illustrating this is Critical Misunderstandings…‘ opening track Mean Streets which is rich in ‘Floydian vocals’, subtle but effective parts which sit neatly within the mix, note of the keys and the bass in particular, and then there’s a tasty guitar solo by John Fraser Findlay.
Now, not wanting to create the impression the album is one dimensional, mention of a couple of the album’s rockier tracks Our Love Was In Danger and The Pledge, with their distinct stadium swagger, followed by a personal favourite. We Feel captures the feel of the album with an intriguing combination of a jazz infused musical setting contrasted against the initially darker lyrics…
Towards brutal happenstance
The slow resolve
Unbidden, gave us half a chance
The pills are marked and sequestered
Day by day
If only certain forces could make us stay
The lyrical release comes with:
Strong enough to take a chance
We feel, we feel
Wise enough
To join the dance
The musical release comes with the ‘way too short’, but delectable instrumental which follows. Sitting on a solid steady rhythm and accompanied by light organ, the ensuing jazzy guitar and piano break is sublime, gradually giving way to the “We feel, we feel…” chorus which takes the track out.
In summary… you are not going hear anything in the way of epic length, oddly metered mellotron extravaganzas, on the contrary, Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice offers fourteen, succinct heartfelt songs, delivered with warmth and passion. An ideal late night listening experience…
TRACK LISTING
01. Mean Streets (4:49)
02. Gravity (4:02)
03. Thinking of You (2:42)
04. AI World (4:14)
05. Blank Page (4:08)
06. Our Love Was In Danger (4:13)
07. The Pledge (2:50)
08. We Feel (3:54)
09. A Fever Dream (3:28)
10. The Future (2:55)
11. Not Enough (4:16)
12. Quietly Fading (2:32)
13. The Room Spins Around (2:43)
14. Rest (2:34)
Total Time – 49:29
MUSICIANS
Frank Smith – Lead Vocals
Phillip Victor Bova – Bass, Keyboards, 6 & 12 String Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Gord Finley – Drums
John Fraser Findlay – Lead Guitar, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Keyboards, Piano, Harmony Vocals
Kellylee Evans – Additional & Harmony Vocals (1,2,4,5,6 & 8)
Shannon Ross – Harmony Vocals (1,5,9,12 & 14)
Tara Holloway – Harmony Vocals (3 & 14)
Jeremy Abboud – Harmony Vocals (1,4 & 6)
Michael Belanger – Harmony Vocals (7)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: Canada
Date of Release: 20th September 2024
LINKS
Halcyon Phase – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X
