Pretty Archie brings us fun, folk and some familiar east coaster spirit in their fourth album, Hanging On. Hailing from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, this four-piece-recently-turned-five-piece troop delivers multiple genres that range from country and bluegrass to rock and blues all within 9 well-put-together tracks. While Pretty Archie’s music dances between a variety of genres, it’s not hard to tell that their sound has been impacted by their maritime roots.
“We are very proud east coasters. We’ve written songs in the past about the struggles of living in a small town on the east coast,” says Brian Cathcart, Pretty Archie’s lead vocalist. “Our first single, ‘This Whole Town,’ is about a couple who realizes that what they’ve been looking for was right in front of them all along. The band decided to remain on the east coast because we love it here!
“Being friends for a long time definitely helps the writing process. We are like brothers so we can pretty much say whatever we want to each other. Having the freedom of no filter can be helpful and hilarious! Also, being around the same age, we have similar life experiences so there is usually a lot of input on ideas.”
Diving into the opening track, “Ain’t No Saving Me,” we are immediately introduced to Cathcart’s lulling voice before the song quickly takes a turn into a foot-stomping, fast-paced melody.
For “Stay the Same”, which was recently released as a video, the band explain that the lyrics describe a busy life and not being able to spend the amount of time they would like with the people they miss. It is an important message hidden behind a danceable beat.
While the music is mainly feel-good and upbeat, like in “Nightlife Love”, the lyrics touch on many different issues and emotion.
“Every song is about real life,” says Cathcart. “’Holding Out’ was a hard song to write because it’s so close to the heart for us. It’s about having a dream or an idea and deciding you are going to make it happen no matter what. Sometimes in that process, however, people or feelings get hurt, and maybe you yourself wonder if the sacrifices are worth it. But It’s about getting back up after you’ve been knocked down and moving forward.”
Through a mix of perfectly-timed harmonies guided by guitars and mandolins, we arrive at country soul ballads “Summertime” and “Sometimes.” The calm blues-inspired instrumentals of the songs combined with folky lyrics creates a relaxing experience, like hanging in a hammock on a warm summer day, listening to the sounds of a river trickling by while holding a cold beer in hand (okay, you get the point).
“We are very happy with our latest record. Having a hand in the production side let us express the the songs the way we wanted, and also having the guidance of producer Jamie Foulds was incredibly helpful. He has a great ear for music, and he’s so easy to work with, it made the whole thing an experience.”
The band cites Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Earle and Matt Andersen as inspiration for their sound. “Our long term goals are to be rich and famous,” jokes Cathcart. ”No, we just want to be happy. We all love music and we love creating it. Playing music and having fun is all we can ask for.”
Pretty Archie have yet to announce all tour dates, but be prepared to see them pop up around Western Canada and the Maritimes this summer.
Tour Dates:
03.16.19 – Sydney, NS @ The Cave Bar and Lounge
04.20.19 – Membertou, NS @ Membertou Trade & Convention Centre
05.01.19 – 05.05.19 – Charlottetown, PEI @ East Coast Music Week