Album Review: Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur

Posted by: Matt Moskal  •  May 10, 2012 @ 8:00am

Filed under: Reviews

Kathleen Edwards has made a career of manipulating bitterness into success. On her 2003 debut album, Failer, the dissolution of young love inspired the bulk of her creativity. Over a decade has passed since the Ottawa-native recorded her first songs at Little Bullhorn Studios. She has since sought inspiration from controversial murders ("Alicia Ross"), crime and punishment ("In State"), racism ("Oh Canada") and Canadian broadcasters ("I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory"). Behind the resentful alt-folk was a romantic in a contemptible world. It was part of the charm that attracted critics and fans to her otherwise straightforward songwriting. In the four years after 2008's Asking for Flowers, Edwards embarked on a new emotional journey. While the romantic has remained intact, her fourth album, Voyageur, suggests otherwise for the cynic.

Voyageur is deeply-influenced by Edwards' latest transition into the honeymoon phase. The elephants in the room are her separation from Colin Cripps and recent relationship with Justin Vernon. Both battle for the spotlight in their own ways. For example, some of these songs sound like Bon Iver. "A Soft Place to Land" and "Going to Hell" borrow the ambiance of Vernon's 2011 self-titled album. The bicycle bell from "Michicant" even makes several appearances. Given their transparency, they are still highlights on this album.

There's a "chicken or the egg" situation surrounding Voyageur. Vernon has noted Edwards as an influence and he is now inspiring her evolution. Considering the critical-acclaim of Bon Iver, it would be difficult to refuse his personal touch. Unfortunately, the contributions by Vernon, S. Carey and Megafaun's Phil Cook don't evoke surprising results. However, it is refreshing to hear Edwards explore her options.

The presence of new love does work in Voyageur's favor. "Sidecar" is adorable. A driven back-beat and poignant synthesizer give life to an otherwise simple and slightly silly song. Edwards rides a current of fuzzy feelings into her most radio-friendly recording yet. "You and I will be sidecars, there to chase down the hard stuff," she sings. It's not the same bittersweet Kathleen, but it is melodic and memorable.

"Mint", the album's sexy little number, is closer to her efforts on 2008's Asking for Flowers. There's a prevalent blues-rock influence that's almost out-of-place juxtaposed with its alt-folk counterparts. However, it serves as a perfect first act to "Sidecar" and its post-boudoir antics. While it's stand-out track, Edwards pushes her vocals to an uncomfortable high during the chorus. There is an audible strain that is worrisome considering her ensuing touring schedule.

Other aspects of Voyageur do feel forced. Fans of Edwards' sharp wit will be disappointed by cringe-worthy wordplay. "Change the sheets and then change me," she requests on the song of the same name. Elsewhere, her track with Norah Jones, "For the Record", is certainly a suitable somber closer. However, it too suffers a similar fate. "For the record, I only wanted to sing songs," confesses Edwards.

Voyageur is mostly lukewarm. In being unremarkable, it's still charming. However, this is none of the players' best work. Voyageur's highs and lows are never at extremes, leaving listeners with an adequate median.

Tags: Kathleen Edwards, Justin Vernon, Voyageur, MapleMusic Recordings, Norah Jones, Bon Iver, Ottawa, Change The Sheets, S. Carey, Phil Cook

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