The Once - Time Enough
Hailing from, Newfoundland, The Once have been around for the best part of fifteen years. They have established themselves playing a mix of original and trad folk tunes, been nominated for a JUNO and won Traditional Album of the Year at the 2010 Canadian Folk Awards. Heading more into pop and rock territory, Time Enough marks something of a change in direction for the trio.
All of the songs centre on Geraldine Hollett’s stunning lead vocals and the three-part harmonies shared with multi-instrumentalist band mates Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale. The musical backing is restrained, with tasteful fingerpicking and lush washes of almost dreampop keyboards. There are hints of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Fleetwood Mac and early Fleet Foxes in the sound. At times - like You Don’t Love Me or Foreign Shore - this is almost transcendentally gorgeous. For the most part, though, it makes for a lush and tasteful (those words again) background that neither seeks nor demands your attention.
On first listen, I loved this album. As time goes on, a couple of songs apart, that has faded to respect. I can’t question the ability of the band - those harmonies can be utterly beautiful - but it just doesn't hold my attention, and that is a shame.
6/10
