CD Review: Tanya Tagaq's 'Animism'

Tanya Tagaq 
Animism
Six Shooter Records

Hailing from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada, Tanya Tagaq is an innovative and experimental performer of throat-singing, rock, electronic, and avant-garde music inspired by the spirits of the great North. Sometimes the music is repetitive and meditative, but the wide variety of metallic, grinding, squeaking, and ancillary sounds makes it an intriguing and artistic piece of history. In addition to Tanya's sporadic vocals, there are drums, electronics, violin, viola, synths, bass, trombone, french horn, and assorted vocals throughout the eleven tracks. The combination of melodies and rhythms creates a dark and swirling masterpiece that is both chilling and exciting. Some of the sounds are quite abrasive and fairly removed from the traditional throat-singing structures, but this is contemporary music anyway. Still, Tanya succeeds with another stellar recording that has won--and will continue to win--awards. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Joy Dunlop's 'Faileasan'

Joy Dunlop
Faileasan
Hearth Music

Scotland's Joy Dunlop combines vibrant, Gaelic vocals a slew of folk instruments and whirling rhythms that are bright, edgy, and historic. The quick vocals are quite fitting with other Gaelic performers, including Julie Fowlis. There are fiddles, pipes, whistles, piano, drums, percussion, and other instruments and sounds on Joy's newest release, Faileasan, which means, 'reflections.' There are slower tunes, such as "Eilean Luinn" and "Cumha Chailein Ghlinn Lubhair," as well as energetic tunes, like "Puirt A Beul Earraghaidhealach" and "S Daor A Cheannaich Mi 'Phog". Joy's angelic vocals carry the songs into very relaxing worlds of comfort and solitude. There are traditional themes here, but the songs are created for today. There are vocal traditions indicative of Inuit, joik, and Inner Asian derivatives. Importantly, this recording is made in Scotland and it does not steer too far away from that tradition. There are eleven songs total. Yes, the music is as beautiful as Joy. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tanya Tagaq's Live Album 'Anuraaqtug'

Tanya Tagaq
Anuraaqtug
Les Disques Victo

Originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut Canada, Tanya Tagaq, has been throat-singing for several years. Tanya's solo form of throat-singing is traditionally accomplished by a pair of women singers. Anuraaqtug is a live album recorded in May 2010 at the Festival International de Musique Actuelle in Victoriaville, Quebec. Tanya is joined by Jean Martin on percussion and trumophone, along with Jesse Zubot on violin. Tanya's primordial vocal stew contains swirling noises that resemble mystical creatures. The instrumental accompaniment often mimics the vocal sounds, which produces scary tones and avant-garde foundations that border on naturalistic experimentation and hauntingly, beautiful Halloween music. The erratic sounds and vivid--though indiscreet vocalizations--make Anuraaqtug a captivating and emotional release. Nearly one of hour of music and five songs signals Tanya's quirkiest and mesmerizing vocal performances. Tanya's latest release will not be everyone's cup of Inuit tea, but she will still amaze a large majority of faithful followers. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Nunavut, Canada's Karen Mackenzie

Karen Mackenzie

Wind Don't Blow

Self-Release

The folk and bluesy vocals and melodies of singer and guitarist Karen Mackenzie take Canada, or the world for that matter, by storm. The bluegrass, country, and pop-oriented repertoire is as hearty and sincere as a Northern winter. Karen is joined by accordion, whistle, mandola, bass, and drums. Vocally, Karen is a more mature version of the UK's Katie Melua. A folk musician with varied genre-bending abilities, Karen does not implore the use of fancy dubs and electronic smoke and mirrors. Instead, Wind Don't Blow is an album that features eight folky tunes that continue to play around in the heads of all who listen. "Givin' In" is easily a radio-friendly tune that accentuates Karen's writing and playing abilities. "Tangled The Thread" and "Makeup/Breakup Blues" follow closely with an equal amount of sincerity, sweetness, and pleasantness. "Dance Me Away" is a sweeping tune with an unforgettable melody. For a healthy does of Northern spirit, buy Wind Don't Blow today. ~ Matthew Forss