Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By The Hello Darlins, Independent/Rock Country 2021.
Go By Feel is the debut album from Alberta, Canada based country music collective The Hello Darlins who are largely made up of session musicians based in and around Calgary.
Their origin dates back to 2016 when vocalist/producer Candace Lacina crossed paths with keyboardist/producer Mike Little in a recording studio.
The two had met in similar circumstances some years earlier however this time they found themselves making music together, in between work with other artists.
It didn’t take long before they started inviting their friends and associates to join them and the band was formed.
It’s a star-studded line up; Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies), Clayton Bellamy (The Road Hammers), Matt Anderson, Dave and Joey Landreth (The Bros. Landreth), Russell Broom (Jann Arden), impressive fiddler Shane Guise, and of course Candace and Mike.
Apparently, because of their disparate make up, some people have labelled the band ‘The Broken Social Scene of Americana’.
They may have come together from varying bands, but they are all on the same page when it comes to the music they make.
It didn’t take long for the band to start making waves in the Canadian/American Country music scene.
Immediately after their debut American Songwriter called the group “The product of a talented group of session musicians who wanted more” and Americana UK said “It’s great to see a band put together by the talented folks who would usually be behind the scenes.”
Their debut album is delightful and highlights the skills of some remarkable musicians.
Candace Lacina and Mike Little are very good songwriters and Candace possess a beautiful voice.
As you’d expect the band are extremely gifted and effortlessly move through all the different country genres that appear on this disc from gospel and blues to heart-wrenching ballads such as Aberdeen and Prayer For a Sparrow to the country rock of Mountain time.
Due to their individual commitments The Hello Darlins have had limited time as a band playing live to audiences but they plan to hit the road soon.
In the meantime, have a listen to this album I’m sure country music fans will enjoy it.
