By Ashton Chugh
The new album from Frédéric Pellerin — formally of the Madcaps, now turned soloist as They Call Me Rico — is a combination of folk and blues creatively meshed together. I popped his album into my car’s stereo on an especially foggy winter night and it served as the perfect ambiance with its mix of fast paced drums and eerie lyrics.
This Kind Of Life sets the random tone of the album with its opening track “This Kind Of Life,” which opens with ghostly church organs alongside a monotonous drum beat that feels like it is building to a crescendo. But it doesn’t and leaves you feeling like you’re alone in a desert. Pellerin’s philosophical musings give the lyrics of this track substance and style. Interestingly, Pellerin was recently inducted into the national order of Quebec for his renowned story-telling ability.
“To Call My Own” is catchy and fast paced and I probably should have been flagged down for a speeding violation while listening to the song. “Bye Baby” is a throwback, ZZ Top like track and easily my favourite on the album.
The randomness of this album continues with “Hope And Pray,” which reminds me of a faster paced Jack Johnson song. The song “Reel” is country music arbitrarily placed in the middle of the album.
“Tried To Love Her,” “Way Down Below,” and “Winner Or Loser” are all upbeat and the perfect complement to any road trip playlist.
“I’m On Fire” has some harmonica and soul and could probably slip in between some Coldplay tracks and nobody would notice. However, it’s placed awkwardly in between two really upbeat tracks.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed This Kind Of Life. The tracks do not have a linear layout, which makes the album feel slightly random, but it makes for great musical adventure nonetheless.