It takes a village to make an album; that was the mentality that Halifax singer/songwriter Gabrielle Papillon had when conceptualizing Shout. Her latest album brought in artists and engineers from across the globe, working with the likes of Sarah DeCourcy (Armin Van Buuren), Kyan Kuatois (K’Naan), Corey LeRue (Neon Dreams), among others. Having already been teased us with “Shout It Out,” we thought we knew what we were in for; a poppy, upbeat collection about self-expression.
Well, we got the bit about self-expression right, but where “Shout It Out” is distinct in its ability to make people dance, Shout as an album prides itself on making you feel.
“Don’t Want To Go To Bed” acknowledges loneliness and fear without giving either very much power. The melodies, though face-paced, have a touch ominousness overshadowed by Papillon’s hard-hitting defiance.
“What Do I Know” follows a similar formula, exploding into an auditory phoenix moment, having started out with a vibe of melancholy. Papillon’s lyrics are inspiring – if a little existential. A quiet strength follows in the form of “Wait.”
It’s later on in the album that Papillon give us a multi-track rally cry for those whose lives don’t come easily, with “Shout It Out” spearheading with its bubbly beat and uplifting lyrics. “New Age Faces” and “Among The Queens” are two, heartfelt anthems for the strong-hearted youth of today, while “Last Deep Breath” brings that same energy, but almost in the form of fear; suitable for the dark times we live in.
“I made this record to share with the ones who are itching to bust out of their shells, of the boxes other people have fitted for them,” she says. “For the awkward dancers, and the crowd-averse. For everyone who ever does anything brave even when it is hard.”
Tour Dates:
11.7-9.19 – Truro, NS @ Nova Scotia Music Week
11.14.19 – Fredericton, NB @ Grimross Brewing
11.16.19 – Woodstock, NB @ Crossing Paths Guest House & Event Centre
11.19.19 – Peterborough, ON @ The Garnet
11.20.19 – Toronto, ON @ The Burdock
11.21.19 – Trenton, ON @ Old Church Theatre
11.22.19 – Ottawa, ON @ National Arts Centre
11.23.19 – Shefford, QC @ Stanstead House Concert
11.24.19 – Montreal, QC @ Casa del Popolo
11.30.19 – Halifax, NS @ The Bus Stop Theatre