Steven Bowers’ song-writing is described as having “a melody junkie’s thirst for pretty sounds” and such a statement couldn’t be more accurate. His latest album, Elk Island Park, in fact, is full of those pretty sounds.
There’s this immense scope to the project that feels like its own little world. Maybe it’s the nature of its beginnings – written in various places across Canada. It’s only natural, then, that the scope would feel so broad. You can’t help but picture rainy, foggy mountains and lakes while sitting through this album.
The opening song, “Bad Friend”, does a good job of setting this pretense. There’s this sort of pulse throughout the track that sounds like the crashing of waves on a shore. It creates an impression of the magic that’s to come. It’s very atmospheric, and regardless of a song’s overall mood, it’s something that stays consistent until the very last track.
The vocals are a standout on this album. Bowers sings with this pleading urgency. A lot of the songs feel like we’re being convinced or reasoned with. Whatever the case, Bowers is very persuasive. There are a handful of tracks featuring Juno award-winning songwriter Meaghan Smith, and when their two voices meld together it’s like magic. In “Just You”, Smith appears right as the song is building to a climax with wailing guitar and this steady heartbeat of a drum rhythm. The line “one day your heart will reanimate” is so chilling and hopeful at the same time. It’s a mix of emotions that are constantly recurring throughout the album.
The album stays pretty lowkey for the most part. Despite the sweeping nature of some of the instrumentals, it still feels like a relaxing listen. “Annie Rose” and “Ben and Jessie Running” are some of the more upbeat tracks, but even they still have the gorgeous harmonies and the muted production.
Overall, Bowers has presented an almost cinematic experience with this album. He tackles stories and emotions that are grounded in real and deepcut feelings, but the production on the album elevates it to this larger than life status. It’s an experience best paired with a good pair of headphones and a nice view.