Vocals make the difference

TOUGH LOVE
Megan Nash
Indie
7 out-of-10

The accomplishments of Megan Nash span television experiences, country festivals, Rough Rider commercials, and radio play on multiple stations; an impressive list for a young singer-songwriter from small town Saskatchewan. Her debut album, Tough Love, is a power punch to the gut of conventional radio pop. Genre bending and full of stiff, catchy rhythms, Tough Love is a well planned and versed effort.

With a voice as powerful as the North West wind in January, Nash's vocals make Tough Love a lot more interesting. She has fantastic range and control, showing the trademark of a true professional. Her song writing is very impressive as well, offering many great one-liners and imagery. My favorite on the album is "Coming In From The Cold", offering many familiar ideas to anyone who's either lived in Saskatchewan, been in love, or perhaps both. There's also a subtle and simple guitar line in there that I just love. The rocking "Tough Love" and "Sometimes You Can't Say No" kick the album up a notch with their hard rhythm and great guitar playing.

Tough Love's tracks range from pop rock, country, piano pop and alt rock. Nash's voice is convincing it all themes and suits all these genres perfectly.

Unfortunately, this album holds two near identical renditions of her radio hit "Worth It". I suppose one is the original and the other is labeled as a radio edit. The song is fantastic, but for me, it wasn't worth it to put it on twice. I would have much rather heard more of what Nash had to offer.

All in all, I think Megan has a very successful career a head of her. This album is tight, rocking, and powerful. If you're interested in hearing Ms. Nash or seeing her perform, she's coming through Yorkton at the 5th Avenue Cup and Saucer on Saturday, March 10.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

QUILL
Bison
8 out-of 10

Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons have established themselves as leaders in the modern Folk revival. Incorporating traditional instruments, themes, images and ideas, they have composed folk music that speaks to the new generation. Well, if those two groups had a child and raised it on Appalachian folklore until it became a full grown adult, you would have Bison. Bison is a Virginia based seven-piece that has completely consumed me. Their musical ability causes me to seethe with jealousy, yet I simply cannot get enough.

They describe themselves as "mountain-top chamber music," which "combines elements of alternative indie-folk with classical sensibilities." Their debut album "Quill" is as complex and entwined as the Appalachian Trail. The string arrangements are brilliant pieces with orchestral intensity, able to stand alone as a complete symphony. The song writing does not lack in creativity and vigor, forming continuity with the high standard set by the instrumentation. The complete package is an overwhelming masterpiece of truly unique folk music.

Bison is a breath of fresh air in my music repertoire, and a band that I will not tire of any time soon. "Quill" is available now for $10.00 at http://bisonfolk.bandcamp.com/album/quill

- SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU