Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 12!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 12!

JFH Music Review


Vocal Few, Grand Pre EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Vocal Few
Grand Pre EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Folk Pop / Acoustic
Album length: 6 tracks: 25 minutes, 27 seconds
Street Date: August 17, 2018


READER RATING:   


Relocation can be something traumatic. Re-centering in a new locale is inherently influential to the human soul in ways that are often unexpected. When Matt and Kristie MacDonald decided to leave Seattle for Nova Scotia, there was no doubt that such a journey would produce more than a few road trip tunes, but Grand Pre ends up being Vocal Few's most emotionally hefty effort to date.

Acoustic singer/songwriter duos can only do so much with their chosen sonic palette - because of that, much of the weight lies in their achievement of empathy. Anyone who has ever moved or experienced a season of uncertainty will undoubtedly find much to reflect on with Grand Pre. Themes of homesickness, routine lifestyles, and collective loneliness make for a particularly cohesive collection of songs. Be forewarned - the care and melancholic optimism with which these topics are explored make for 26 minutes of therapy, causing the listener to have to grapple with these thoughts regardless of their current emotional state.

The MacDonalds do a solid job of keeping the songs engaging. Though there isn't much of a break from the bright acoustic guitars and muted pianos, the moods are varied enough to not get tiring. The clear narrative journey helps with this workaround as well. As this is their 4th outing as a duo, each aspect of their sound feels more balanced than ever before. That comfortability also hinders Grand Pre ever so slightly. Musical risks would have been appreciated, especially if they replaced some of the moments that dipped a bit too much into the "sappy stream" (listen to closer "Stay" and you'll know what I mean).

As much as road trip EPs are a dime a dozen, there are few that deal with the potential trauma that can accompany such journeys. Grand Pre works best as a snapshot of the transitions we face in life, but it's also one of the more pleasant and genuinely uplifting releases of the year.

- Review date: 8/13/18, written by Mason Haynie of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Listen to the new album from Charming to the Last!

 

. Record Label: BC Music
. Album length: 6 tracks: 25 minutes, 27 seconds
. Street Date: August 17, 2018
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: AmazonMP3

  1. Go (4:09)
  2. To the Ocean (3:36)
  3. Out of Order (4:39)
  4. Time Travel (3:46)
  5. One Step Further (4:27)
  6. Stay (4:52)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Listen to the new album from Charming to the Last!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 28, 2023
SINGLES
Mawcore War Cry - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 30, 2023
ALBUMS
Ronnie Martin Holiday Fable [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, December 1, 2023
ALBUMS
Citizens i can't find the edges of you (deluxe) [Integrity]
PEABOD PLAY! (independent)
Planetshakers Christmas Chill, Vol. 1 - EP [Venture3Media]
Michael Tait I Believe in Christmas - EP [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Rich Colón UNDO. - Single [Polished Arrow]
FAITHFUL Wondrous Things - Single [Integrity]
Mat Kearney Christmas Miracle / White Christmas - Single (independent)
The Kingsmen I Just Stopped By On My Way Home - Single [Horizon]
Project 86 ULTRAVIOLEnT - Single (independent)
Kevin Quinn I'm Not There Yet - Single [Capitol CMG]
Souljornerz Avenues - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ian Yates We'll Be Alright - Single [7Core]

Next Friday, December 8, 2023
VINYL
Petra Beyond Belief (Orange Vinyl, 180 gram) (Vinyl) [Girder]
Petra Unseen Power (Blue Vinyl, 180 gram) (Vinyl) [Girder]
Petra Wake Up Call (Yellow Vinyl, 180 gram) (Vinyl) [Girder]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the new EP from Wind And Sail!




Pre-order the new album from Signum Regis!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images