Canadian Mike Tod Brings Buzzing Acoustics On Self-Titled Debut (ALBUM REVIEW)

The Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based folk artist and ethnomusicologist Mike Tod brings traditional songs (along with a new original written in the same vein) to life on his self-titled debut record. 

Tod (Acoustic guitar/Harmonium/Vocals) reworks historical songs, keeping the folk feelings attached as he uses a core band (Vocals – Opal Retzer, Percussion – Travis Miller, Bass – Keith Rodger, Mandolin/Banjo/Resonator guitar – Nathan M. Godfrey, Violin/Viola – Jeremy Gignoux, Violin – Laura Reid, Vocals – Melodie Ayoungman, Pedal steel – Wayne Garrett) to flush out the sounds with unique sonic flair, but also consistent admiration for the tune origins. 

Looking to the far past and Scotland for his opening tracks, Tod and company begin by building buzzing acoustics and screeching fiddles (which border on migraine-inducing) before duets soothe the sounds on both “The Coo Coo” and “The Blackest Crow”; bird songs which set the tone for things to come. Vocally, Tod has a raspiness that can recall a lighter William Elliott Whitmore as he lets his natural sounds illuminate the tales. 

The third Scottish folk song is more joyous in nature as “Three Flowers of Edinburgh” spins a traditional fiddle tune which would work as the soundtrack if the players and dancers were celebrating either a barn raising or a wedding. The straight-ahead folk song of “Five Undone in Sorrow” pushes the feelings along while the personal, album-closing tune “My Alberta Rose” brings it all back home. 

Some efforts, like the instrumental “Cold Frosty Morn” and dueling banjo original “Back To My Home” are fine, but act more as filler. The top efforts arrive with the cinematic scope of the haunting “Little Wheel Spin and Spin”, the amazing mandolin picking from Godfrey on “Cigarettes and Whiskey” and the full-on duet with his wife Retzer on the pleasant “Wait For Me”, delivering an early country music feel, accented by almost Hawaiian like guitars, and a sweet sense of yearning.

Tod has blown the dust off some old-time folk with his self-titled debut as he mines the ancient mountains and scours the prairies of days long gone for inspiration.

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