New release worth a listen

PROVIDER
Bry Webb
Indie
10-out-of-10

What does it mean to provide? To give selflessly without end, or to give only what is needed at a certain time? Bry Webb deeply explores this concept in his first solo recording "Provider". Formerly the front man of the Guelph, Ontario punk band The Constantines, Webb has traded in the crushing distortion for acoustics so pure.

The writing of the album has taken 6 years, and it seems Webb has finally found a comfortable voice amongst quieter strings.

Having been a fan of The Constantines for many years, I was surprised to learn that Bry Webb had in fact released something so simple, and seemingly redeeming to his hard rock persona. It's a long hard look deep inside the mind of someone who's lived on the road, and clearly never thought he'd come to this point in his life, that point being fatherhood. Lucid reflections of the past and future make up the skeletal structure of this album.

The album's first track 'Asa', which is also the name of his son, begins with honest lyrics, and a guitar tone so killer I could listen to it on repeat just for that. The words "Let the shadows grow to the end the road, I will carry you home. Carry on and play at the end of the day I will carry you home" end this short opening ballad, and it is apparent he's singing directly to his son. I had heard the second track 'Rivers of Gold' long before hearing the full album, and it is possibly one of my favorite songs to be released in 2011. Webb wrote it in 2005 after playing the Dawson City Music Festival, and captured the full experience and ambiance in this fine song. The swaying rhythmic guitar and looming pedal steel help paint a beautiful picture, matching his descriptive lyrics about freedom and relaxation in the Yukon.

Webb never strays far from the acoustic/pedal steel combo, and I am thankful for that. 'Undertaker' introduces a full horn section that is perfectly orchestrated, while 'Zebra' is touched by a reserved xylophone lead melody. The broken down instrumentation makes this album very easy to listen to.

Webb continues to explore the themes of courage, sovereignty, responsibility, fear, and fatherhood throughout the rest of the album. He cleverly holds a balance of musical simplicity and lyrical turmoil. I found it incredibly easy and enjoyable to get lost in the beautiful melodies and drift off with his words running through my mind. Many lines stick with you, and can't be fully interpreted with a single listen.

I could probably go on for far too long about this album. I'm completely in love with it, and have the urge to listen to it throughout my day. Relaxing, contemplative, and relatable for many a young man, "Provider" is a consistently pleasing record. Webb has really provided the listener with an unbelievable treat. I can't stress how imperative it is that you hear this album.

- SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU