Nick Earle’s Breaking New Ground is an amalgam of blues, Americana, and pop-rock. The album is also the first solo effort from the talented Newfoundland guitarist-singer-songwriter since the disbanding of Earl and Coffin.
Earle’s guitar work is of particular note and the highlight of the record. Tone, phrasing, and feel all show the marks of someone who has paid meticulous attention to their instrument. The production team has also done a great job of either preserving or showcasing the guitar sound. This is best appreciated in the track “Lovers Turned Strangers.” Get some decent headphones on and it will transport you to a perfect-sounding room with only Earle and his guitar for company. The vocals are a solid compromise between tradition and modern soul, and Earle’s mix of strong guitar and vocal chops is sure to draw attention going forward.
It’s always interesting when an artist includes a “big” cover as part of a new record. On Breaking New Ground, Earle tackles the John Prine classic “Angel From Montgomery.” It’s a good version, but I can’t help to find the choice a bit tired. Particularly in Atlantic Canada, where the song seems inescapable from open mics all the way to city festivals. The production plays it safe and adds little to the original, which also feels like a missed opportunity. All that being said, Earle’s voice is a great fit for the tune and he certainly capitalises on its solo-friendly chord progression.
Original work is at the true core of Breaking New Ground. Earle’s first solo outing plays very close to the genres it draws influence from, yet it occasionally ventures out in interesting directions. “Lovers turned Strangers” drew my ears in immediately. This is the only track in the album where Earle performs entirely by himself. It is also my favourite number. The guitar work is superb and nicely complemented by the vocals, which are delivered in heartfelt and interesting phrases. “The only thing I will admit is that you made September better” is a great verse tag that skews a complete resolution in favour of an almost questioning vibe. It’s a great choice, either by intuition or calculation.
My preference for the solo number should not be taken as dismissive of the supporting band, which is excellent overall. “Mess Of Me” is a straight-up great blues tune, and the band interprets the style to a fine polish. Blues is a perfect genre to test a band’s “play your part” attitude, and I think they nailed it here. Beyond that, the groove is strong throughout and everything falls in place nicely.
I do wish the band had been given a chance or two to stand out. The production work is also remarkable in that it manages to sound genuine while still introducing a modern bend to traditional ideas.
The lyrics bring a solid introduction to Earle’s own songwriting. They have a young, approachable flavour, and seem well thought-out. I found songs like “Back To Montreal” a bit on the predictable side, with the mandatory California reference sticking out a bit. At the same time I found myself really enjoying songs like “Never Say Goodbye,” where the relatively straightforward words are nonetheless structured in interesting ways. The choice to begin the duet song “Only Wanted You” with Earle’s counterpart instead of himself surprised me in the best way.
I find Nick Earle to be a remarkable talent, and I expect to hear his name often as he puts some road behind Breaking New Ground. At least enough of it to spawn a second record.
Tour Dates:
06.25.19 – St. John’s, NL @ The Black Sheep on George
06.26.19 – Pasadena, NL @ The Vinyl Garage
06.28.19 – Rothesay, NB @ House Concert
06.30.19 – Charlottetown, PEI @ TD PEI Jazz and Blues Festival
07.3.19 – Bonne Bay, Gros Morne, NL @ Old Cottage Hospital
07.13.19 – Grandfalls, NL @ Salmonfest