CD Review - Local digs up earthy roots

Local digs up earthy roots - By Dean Gordon-Smith - Vernon Morning Star
Published: February 05, 2009 6:00 PM

This debut album from Vernon singer/songwriter Pauline Kyllonen is one that favours quality over quantity.

Its brevity (four songs) wisely doesn’t cause it to try to hit too many bases for a “showcase,” instead the disc stays mellow and earthy all the way through, Kyllonen’s throaty vocal and easy-paced songs steering clear of crap and posturing.

Kyllonen has attracted much notice for her roots/country sound, and one of her awards led to the recording of this short and sweet CD (self-titled, not eponymous!)

Judging by the tastefully warm production and super-solid musical support, it was a good move. There’s not a note or sound out of place. This quality, a sense of relaxation and restraint, gives Kyllonen’s songs a swing that is very subtle; felt rather than heard.

This even pacing and unhurried state also readily translates into purposeful vocal delivery, and confident performance from the backing group here (Shaun Verrault of Wide Mouth Mason, Pat Steward of Bryan Adams, and Doug Elliot of The Odds.) Justice is done to the songs, allowing that ever-elusive presence –– atmosphere, vibe, etc. –– to be welcomed to seep in through the tracks.

As noted earlier, there’s no waifish pretension to sidetrack the songs, and Kyllonen’s voice suggests western (as in B.C.) feeling and muted energy. This sound is ballad-driven (Rainbow Café) and her vocal wraps itself around the melodies with a dusty charm, reminiscent of Blue Rodeo’s ambient song-craft.

Kyllonen keeps to her unhurried pace, taking time to unfold and grasp the intended mood. Like A River slinks along like a long late afternoon spent in a desert-bound roadhouse. With the wind up, some tumbleweed whipping by and frosty bottles of beer, you’ll get the idea.

Dusky sounds drift through the music, and Kyllonen’s mature style follows the ambiance. She doesn’t overdo the impact by assaulting the senses. Her storytelling tone is honest and convivial, and seems meant to be heard in a reflective state, or it can easily induce this mood, wherever and whenever.