Canadian singer/songwriter Chad Kichula (http://www.chadkichula.com) sounds more south of the border than many of his contemporaries. After having seen stateside college-radio spins for his single "Never Seen the Ocean," Kichula has followed it up with a stirring, swagger-juiced blast of roots rock, "World Shaker." Its outlaw theme may have been influenced by the Paul Newman classic "Cool Hand Luke," but its dark country shadings are straight from Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska." Violins add drama and a tinge of sadness to Kichula's pulpy storytelling, and his commanding, booming voice delivers two-fisted power to this combustible mix of folk, country, and the blues.
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"Another Love" and "Gotta Hold on Me" bring in extra flavors to Kichula's menu, expanding his acoustic-based arrangements. Kichula's singing on "Another Love" is breathy and somewhat romantic, in stark contrast to the tough-guy image that "World Shaker" projects. Each song helps to explore Kichula's versatile range, and his next full-length CD, judging from the sampler here, should be quite a winner.
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