advertisement
FYI

Crybaby: A Melody Behind

Roots-rock outfit Crybaby made a splash with a sparkling debut record, Paintings, in 1996. Recently reunited after a long hiatus, they've released this cut from an imminent second album that pairs melancholia-tinged vocals and a resonant guitar twang. Gripping stuff.

Crybaby: A Melody Behind

By Kerry Doole

Crybaby - "A Melody Behind" (Independent): Back before the term Americana was coined, Toronto roots-rock outfit Crybaby made a splash in the mid-'90s with a sparkling 1996 debut record, Paintings, produced by Grammy-winner Peter J. Moore.


The band imploded shortly after, but recently reunited, with a slightly different lineup. A second album, Still, is complete, and the first track released, "A Melody Behind," shows the group hasn't missed a beat. The resonant twang of the guitars neatly complements the melancholia-tinged vocals of Rae Billing.

Crybaby is built around her songs, and she delivers them in a voice redolent of emotional authenticity (Lucinda Williams is a clear reference point). She is more than ably abetted by a band comprising A-list players from Hamilton and Toronto, including guitarists Steve Koch (Ron Sexsmith) and Andrew Aldridge (Sarah Slean), Greg Brisco (Junkhouse) on keys, and drummer Lucky Pete Lambert (Kensington Hillbillies).

advertisement

Young roots-based artists seem to get all the attention these days, but these seasoned veterans deserve the spotlight.

Crybaby will launch the album with CD release parties April 14 at Pearl Company in Hamilton and April 19 at Cadillac Lounge in Toronto. Edgar Breau and Colina Phillips from Simply Saucer will open the Toronto show.

CRYBABY A Melody Behind (from album STILL) from lumaRae Photography on Vimeo.

advertisement
GMINXR
Alt. Studio Lab

GMINXR

Music

New & Upcoming Canadian Albums: Punjabi-Canadian Producer GMINXR Drops 'Hit List' EP on 91 North Records

Also this week, Neil Young puts out the new documentary soundtrack, Coastal, and Tami Neilson has announced the new album, Neon Cowgirl. Check out the full release calendar here.

It's a holiday weekend, but Good Friday hasn't stopped the slew of releases on New Music Friday,.

Heading up notable new releases this week is GMINXR. Fresh from a Juno Awards performance, the internationally renowned Punjabi-Canadian producer now has his own release, Hit List, featuring Tegi Pannu and Zehr Vibe. It's out on 91 North Records, the label collaboration between Warner Music India and Warner Music Canada. The five-song EP is inspired by both golden era hip-hop and Punjabi folk music, and infused with GMINXR's trademark trap beats.

keep readingShow less
advertisement