Newfoundland folk duo Quote The Raven are currently touring their new album, Golden Hour. In collaboration with nine other songwriters, the harmonious duet of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodden-Clarke combine a beautifully unique sound with shared lyrical input for a dynamic take on the folk genre.
“We wrote and recorded this entire album in two weeks, which when we look back on it was a massive undertaking,” say the two songwriters, “especially considering it was supposed to be an EP.”
“It was such a magical experience where everyone fed off of one another’s ideas, and it was so much more than we ever thought it would be.”
The titular track, “Golden Hour,” is a charming beginning to the album, with subtle, soothing strings that pair nicely with the heartfelt lyrics about two lovebirds. The sweetness in the opening track is positively bubbling.
“Laser Beam” follows this up, sporting a few more bells and whistles from its previous release as a single, making for a multi-instrumental backdrop for the duo’s charming, love-seeking lyrics. The original version is available on the album as well.
“Anywhere With You” is a bit more fast paced — an appropriate change, given the theme of travel in the track. The duo continues to weave tales of two people and the fondness they have for one another, and it doesn’t look like the adorableness factor is going to fade out anytime soon.
Or not. “Standing On The Other Side” gets a bit darker and more serious, foreshadowed early on by the deep, slow-paced keys. This track focuses on the struggles that inhabit our two characters, and how that plays with their relationship. Given the romanticization of romance, it’s important to have reminders that love isn’t always easy.
With a spunky opening that eventually drifts back into the melodic strings and keys we’re used to, “Inside Looking Out” has some of the best sounding instruments on the album, accompanied by a theme of disconnect between our two characters.
And if “Inside Looking Out” was too subtle, the next one is titled “This Isn’t Love.” The keys themselves sound sad as the duo lament an inability to maintain a loving relationship. The opening line in particular, “I won’t miss you like I wish I could,” hits especially hard.
As we get into the last three tracks, it appears that our mini-adventure with these two failed lovers has reached its end, but there’s still plenty to look forward to. “All For Them” picks the pacing back up with an undertone of determination, spinning a tale of freedom fighters in a war-torn world fighting for their beliefs.
The duo then builds up a brand new sound for “Deadman’s Pond,” which sounds to be an urban legend of a bottomless lake that has claimed a number of lives.
Finally, we’re treated to “When The Lights Went Out,” which introduces a myriad of lo-fi strings and perhaps the greatest auditory twist we’ve seen. What is it? You’ll have to listen to find out!
Quote The Raven will be traveling as far west as Ontario to showcase Golden Hour, and after hearing their work first hand, you’ll definitely want to catch one of their shows.
Tour Dates:
03.29.19 – St. John’s, NL @ Black Sheep
03.30.19 – Whiteway, NL @ The Flake Lounge and Eatery
04.03.19 – Corner Brook, NL @ Flynn’s Pub
04.05.19 – Sydney, NS @ Forrester Centre
04.06.19 – Gabarus, NS @ Taigh Nan Òg
04.07.19 – Moncton, NB @ Chez Louis
04.09.19 – Fredericton, NB @ Tipsy Muse Cafe
04.10.19 – Perth-Andover, NB @ Railcar Brewery
04.12.19 – Ottawa, ON @ Live on Elgin
04.13.19 – Kingston, ON @ Musiikki Cafe
04.15.19 – Kitchener, ON @ Registry Theatre
04.17.19 – Toronto, ON @ The Burdock
04.19.19 – Sarnia, ON @ House Concert
04.21.19 – Peterborough, ON @ The Garnet
04.22.19 – Montreal, QC @ L’Escallier
04.26.19 – Halifax, NS @ Carleton
04.27.19 – LeHave, NS @ West Dublin Hall
04.28.19 – Halifax, NS @ House Concert
05.01.19 – Charlottetown, PEI @ Gahan House
05.04.19 – Charlottetown, PEI @ ECMA Folk Showcase
05.18.19 – Gros Morne, NL @ Trails Tales and Tunes Festival
05.19.19 – Gros Morne, NL @ Trails Tales and Tunes Festival