Oregon Americana Folk Duo True North Release Raw and Reminiscent New LP
With Country and Americana music experiencing a surge in popularity among both music makers and listeners, one can be hard pressed to discover something genuine and authentic with that classic sound fans have come to love, but the new record Time and Materials by the True North Duo delivers a sweet reminder of what Folk can truly be. The dynamic True North Duo of Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel have captured a rich and heartfelt sentiment wrapped in memories of a warm sunny day in their newest release, rejecting fancy studio tricks and larger than life artificial enhancements and instead relying on nothing more than their songwriting chops and passion for beautiful sounding instruments to breathe life into their record.
Setting the tone for the album, Wetzel’s smooth guitar playing hits like warm sun on your face, with Grainer’s delicate yet emotionally riveting voice capturing your attention and your heart immediately on their first track Sound of Losing You. Their harmonies melt together impeccably, creating a blissful overture to a dynamic and truly authentic instrumental performance that speaks even beyond their rich and descriptive lyrics. Standout tracks like their cover of Honey on my Tongue show this dreamy blend especially well, showing off just what kind of magic comes from this collaboration
The two prove over and over again that melancholy and reminiscence is truly where they shine brightest, with the illustrative and nostalgic Dorris Dean filling you with an almost sour affability that makes you mourn for a life you never lived yourself, and the semi-autobiographical The Luthier which transports the listener to a time we can all remember where days were longer and songs somehow sounded just a little sweeter. Yet a personal standout favorite somehow does this even better than the rest, the hauntingly beautiful At Your Door. It’s a soul striking melody with enchanting vocals that’s over far too soon, and delivers on a sentiment of loss and displacement I think we can all resonate with.
“To me, that’s a songwriter’s job, to observe the world and report back,” Grainger illustrates. “It’s why most people are born with [] the ability to feel empathy, artists especially.”
But don’t be mistaken, these Americana songbirds are far from one-trick-ponies, showcasing elements of mystique and edge in their work all the same, with the rustic Still Life Cafe telling a story of a hardworking man new to this country and the similar tales of those around him. It’s a sharp-tongued delivery with poignant cadence both vocally and instrumentally that really delivers an impactful piece. The reflective and heart wrenching No Way to Live flips the script of their sound, showcasing Wetzel’s voice front and center, gently supported by Grainger’s sweet harmonies, for an emotionally raw and heavy gift that really sets itself apart in the best way. And the summery Til I Have You is a bright yet gentle ray of hope that glows against an album widely riddled with soulful woes and complex emotions, though I think it is truly this contrast that make Til I Have You so much sweeter of a listen, really proving how much the crafting of record as a whole contributes to the impact of each individual song. The best albums truly are more than the sum of their parts, and Time and Materials illustrates that sentiment beautifully.
When chatting with the two about the record, they stressed the importance of authenticity in this piece, explaining “we just stood up and sang these songs”, in reference to their lack of overdubs, calling their work “honest” and “the real thing”. The True North Duo is a downsizing of what was previously a full band, in turn stripping down their sound to reveal something that is much more reflective of the personal connection that defines live music, something that’s sincerely pertinent to the duo’s writing style, emotion dripping from both their lyrics and their music. While Grainger tells stories of her own and those unknown, you‘re able to feel exactly what they are through Wetzel’s guitar and banjo playing, crafting a beautiful and deeply connected listening experience that is sure to win over audiences for long to come.
The True North Duo embarks on their European tour this month but will be back stateside later this summer to entertain local listeners. If you want to follow along with their journey on their website www.truenorthband.com, or on Instagram @truenorthpnw.
And be sure to listen to Time and Materials on Spotify or wherever you listen to music.
