At festivals, it’s usually the loudest chords, the whitest smiles and most charismatic, crowd consuming growls that get top billing. For HPX, it’s no different. With endless venues and as much start-to-finish talent as I can remember seeing since the early 2000s, making your nightly choices often comes down to names you know and the buzz generated by those that yell the loudest.
Very few bands want to move through the crowds as one of us; drawing from our strength, sharing our stories and encouraging our embrace. Even fewer ask politely to be let in, instead of trying to break through the front door. Daredevil Christopher Wright, a trio from the now famous Eau Claire, will set up shop at St. Matthew’s Church with little to no fanfare and undoubtedly win over each and every fan in attendance.
For their Halifax debut, the band couldn’t have found a more suitable setting. Much like when I See Rowboats enlightened the people waiting to hear Retribution Gospel Choir, CDW’s picked melodies and luscious textures will appear to grow from the stories of the souls left behind to roam around the wooden pews and ornate detailing. Their gentle notes will consume the rapid Mangan-ites waiting to hear Canada’s indie-folk poster boy. Their spot on harmonies will extend to the ceilings and their subtle but intricate percussion will dance around the space. Their songs, the sum of each and every note, will become part of us. It’s too easy to hint at spirituality, especially considering the venue, but this feels like something of significance.
DCW sing of wolves, of bears, of horrible people but they say the most with oohs and ahhs that hit with the impact of a sledgehammer. They sing of heartache, loss, death and pain but everything is lightened with a delicate touch, a playful smile and a glimmer of hope. In the end, it’s love that drives us, either to new heights or feverish rage. That love and all off the associated fallout, is what DCW is chasing (or maybe running from).
The Longsuffering Song EP is out now, and while it blossoms slowly and beautifully on the first listen, I don’t think it can be documented or contained by manufactured plastic or grooved acetate. Like seeing the stars in the sky as you lie alone or the inspiration you take from the view at the summit most wouldn’t even bother to climb, the real power of the moment only reveals itself when you become a part of the experience. Make sure you show up early on Thursday, October 20th and prepare to be amazed.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
MP3:: The Daredevil Christopher Wright – The Animal Choice
PS – Oh, and just feel the Dan Bejar-like coolness with which this gem is delivered.