[rating=7.00]
Driving in the Dark, is the rocking, gritty sophomore release from Calgary, Alberta-based singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley. She teamed with a new producer, Leeroy Stagger, for this set of rather dark songs that lie squarely at the intersection of traditional country and Americana. It’s punchier and more roots-driven than her more country leaning debut.
Buckley’s writing is inspired by the experience of loss and an existential look at mortality. Echoes of Springsteen, k.d. lang, and even a rocking version of Loretta Lynn seep through. Buckley is direct but proves capable of injecting humor and even flirtation into her songs. Some songs seem perfect for radio in the ‘60s, until you listen to her poignant lyrics which make her as contemporary as any of our current writers.
Drawing on some of Calgary’s best musicians, her bandmates have played with Whitehorse, Corb Lund’s Band, Stagger’s band and Tim Easton, among others. They are: Russell Broom (guitars), Tyson Maiko (bass), Michael Ayotte (keys) Brady Valgardso (drums), Kyle Harmon / Nick Stecz (percussion) and Wendy Bird, T. Buckley, Tim Easton and Jess Marsh on harmony vocals.
The album begins with the angst-driven “Wait” as she spills out a confession of self-resentment. The sixties pop is most apparent in the closer “I Wonder.” The strength lies in the middle of album with the single “Rose Coloured Frames,” “Jumping the Fence,” “Heart is on Fire,” and the title track. By the time she sings “I’m a Fool,” where she best displays the range of her voice, you sense her unique blend of classic sounds with today’s roots. Her defiant “Stray Dogs” is most reminiscent of Springsteen in style with its declamatory chorus “You don’t owe nothing to me.” These lyrics will certainly evoke the Boss – “Reservation’s closed now, streets are all dark/ I’ve kept that girl a secret since she stole my heart/ In a prairie fire summer, barracks in July/ We escaped to the reservoir top speed on our bikes.” The closer “I Wonder” on one hand offers contradictory optimism “It’s a big old world full of beauty and rust/ It breaks my heart in two/ But I will be with you tonight.”
Producer Stagger is one of Canada’s leading alt-country voices with eleven albums under his belt. He certainly has the cred and experience to recognize talent. This is what he says about Buckley, “Mariel is one of those rare artists that you stumble upon who’s songs are so good that they stop you dead in your tracks, and instantly make you want more.” He’s right. These are ten terrific songs, but the overall listen seems a bit short even though the album clocks in around 35-36 minutes. She’s captivating because of the edginess and angst in her music, leaving you wanting more.
