This clean-cut Canadian trio of Carleton Stone, Dylan Guthro and Breagh MacKinnon originally came together at a co-writing camp for songwriters with no intention of forming a band. However, when their diverse talents and personalities gelled, they saw things differently and this debut release is the result.
They describe their music as "well-crafted pop in a roots-rock style" and the focus on strong melodies and smooth harmonies makes for a pleasant though fairly unexciting easy listening album.
Much of it was recorded in Nashville and its the mainstream elements of music city that come to the fore leaving yours truly wishing there was something more raw and rustic.
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As it stands, when, on In The Dark, MacKinnon sings "we are the wild ones, we need fresh blood" it all seems to soundtrack a stroll on the sunny side of the street rather than a walk on the wild side.
The mellowness is not without charm and the fusion of male and female lead vocals is warmly effective but the reassuring niceness ultimately becomes pretty insipid.
Port Cities' website
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