Contemporary roots group Hauler exists as a reincarnation of something still very much alive. Slowcoaster members Steven MacDougall and Mike LeLievre bring award-winning fiddler Colin Grant into the fold, resulting in a contemporary roots album that’s a surprising change of pace from Slowcoaster’s usual festival fuel.
Though genre-wise the project is a definite departure, that’s not to say that Hauler’s connection to its predecessor is completely unrecognizable. MacDougall and LeLievre somehow manage to capture the energy of their usual work and channel it into something entirely new. Grant, meanwhile, brings a fresh voice to the field with his fiddling.
This sentiment spills over into the project itself. When it comes to their handling of traditional songs, they have a way of transforming something completely while still keeping it true to its essence. The opening track, “Wind That Shakes The Barley” is a prime example of this, taking a forlorn song of love and loss and giving it these epic proportions. Arranged by MacDougall, the rendition pushes the limits of the genre while still staying within its core confines.
Their stab at crafting their own modern folk songs is just as enchanting. Nestled perfectly in the middle of the tracklist, “The Widow’s Vow” feels like this supportive pillar upon which the rest of the songs are lifted. It’s dramatic in all senses—the emotion and magic dripping from the lyrics, the arresting force with which MacDougall delivers them, and the sweeping accompaniment of Grant’s strings.
These epic, flashy moments are enjoyable, but they aren’t all the album has to offer. The trio plays with just as much nuance in their more muted pieces as well, sometimes incorporating both vibes into a single track. “Starfish” is a delicate instrumental that carries itself with a chill, loping pace, but it peters out into a trickle of gentle guitar picks. It’s proof they can go from a roar to a whisper and be just as evocative with either.
A large part of this can be attributed to Grant’s masterful fiddle-playing. Some of the most compelling, dynamic songs are the ones where he’s given the entirety of the spotlight. “Finders Keepers” is another standout in this aspect. There’s a ghostly whistle that breezes through the track, adding an eerie, haunting layer to a track that’s already anthemic in nature. It speaks to the group’s ability to craft a clear story, even without words.
Hauler’s flavour of roots pays tributes to classics while still keeping things fresh and exciting. While certainly a change of pace from what Slowcoaster has to offer, those who crave that particular energy won’t be disappointed here.