SINGLE REVIEW: APRIL MOON / WINDING ROOTS - CHANGE IS CALLING ME
Not exactly the formation of a supergroup but more a coming together of like minds as our favourite resident Canadians April Moon join forces with Winding Roots, who only seem to have one single out, but when it is as good as "Leaving In The Morning" who cares? The result brings together the best in each group for the fabulously jaunty "Change Is Calling Me".
April Moon, with their energetic, foot stomping ambience, dovetail delightfully with Winding Roots fiddle sound and vocals.
They met of all places in Fuerteventura, and with a shared wanderlust, working together seemed a natural progression.
The opening is a mid paced combination of guitar and banjo, but within seconds there is a rapid increase in speed with the arrival of some percussion and fiddle, which makes for a welcoming introduction. It is Jason's slightly raspy vocal that open the first verse, and immediately the feelings of restlessness start to become apparent.
"I can’t see it yet
But I feel something’s coming soon
This old familiar place
Fades away into the gloom"
The chorus sees additional vocals join and the harmony between the 2 groups seems immediately self evident. There is a real sense of the urge to need to move on, that standing still seems to be moving backwards, hence the quest to move on and there is not going to be anything that can distract from this singular point of view.
"Time feels short though the days stretch on
My restless feet know that change is calling me
Don't try to distract me, don't try to placate me
My view from the window - change is calling me"
The fiddle from Becky Gilman, gives the song an undoubted energy, like early Dexy's tunes, it really melodically drives things forward. The second verse sees Harry “Kirzy” Kirzynowski move to lead vocals, yet the thematic outlook remains the same, so despite being in a paradise where most people might be tempted to stay, the need to press on ahead remains.
"I woke up this morning
In this postcard paradise
Living inside the dream
And everything makes me think twice"
The second chorus is lyrically tweaked but retains the sheer musical exuberance
Life flies by and the hills roll on
These open roads know that change is calling me
Don't try to distract me, don't try to placate me
My view from the window - change is calling me
There's a lovely instrumental break where both the fiddle and electric guitar are each given time to shine. Then the final verse is delivered mainly over Jaime's kick drum which gives it a somewhat stark quality
"I feel the weight of dust
1000 roads I've travelled on
Tomorrow's mystery
Is where my wandering heart is drawn"
On the last words being uttered, the fiddle revs the sound back up and it is a race to the finale. As unions go this is undoubtedly a match made in heaven and it has resulted in a joyous sound that will surely help us see summer out.
