Few indie bands have cultivated a following quite like The Weakerthans. They have become a Canadian institution, largely due to primary songwriter John K. Samson’s ability to combine sublime music and inviting storytelling to great effect. Now on his third solo album, ‘Winter Wheat’, Samson has borrowed heavily from his bands own back catalogue – as well as members’ – to create a record with the familiarity of being greeted by an old friend.
Dealing with various addictions and vices including a computer screen, as detailed in the stripped back opener, ‘Select All Delete’, Samson once again wears his heart on his sleeve and his wounds in his words. Forever analysing himself, and picking apart the seams of his own misgivings, Samson questions his struggles with faith through ‘Postdoc Blues’, and picks apart a failed relationship through the glorious title track.
Musically, this is the most like The Weakerthans Samson has sounded for a solo effort. The inclusion of fellow band members Jason Tait and Greg Smith provides lush instrumentation to ‘Winter Wheat’. The songs flicker and fade like an open fire on quiet evening. Paying homage to classic Americana heroes like Neil Young, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, the up-tempo drive of ‘ Oldest Oak at Brookside’ and ‘Fellow Traveller’ provide soaring bursts of harmony next to the serene ballads that pepper the album.
Where the album falls short is the length. While those who are die-hard fans of both Samson and The Weakerthans will argue that they can listen to them constantly, the casual listener may struggle. After about three quarters of the way through the record, it feels like it should reach its cadence with the largely spoken word ‘Quiz Night at Looky Lou’s’. It is here where ‘Winter Wheat’ begins to wane.
It would be hard to cull the filler from the album, but if a couple of tracks were shaved off it would rank much higher. ‘Alpha Adept’ wouldn’t feel tired and out of place, and one of the strongest tracks, ‘VPW 13 Blues’, sadly loses its impact being near the end of the journey.
With just that to its detriment, that doesn’t stop ‘Winter Wheat’ being an important part of John K. Samson’s lineage. This is an album for the fans that already adore what he does. And that of course is write soulful and honest music direct from heart to pen.
GLEN BUSHELL