Kyp Harness' debut full-length CD, and due to the derivative nature of the music, something of a disappointment.
Harness leans heavily on mid-'60s Dylan, with a sprinkle of
Phil Ochs, for the majority of the music on this release, and ex-
Blue Rodeo member
Bob Wiseman's organ playing helps in creating the sound of a mid-'60s folk-rock album. However, when Kyp is able to shake free from his Dylan influences and create his own music, it works very well. Songs such as "Won't Be Long Now" demonstrates his ability to mix folk with modern rock. He writes brilliant lyrics, falling into the "angry young man" category, but due to his talent, they work. The only real complaint about his lyrics is that his phrasing and style again borrow heavily from Dylan. But on the wonderful, bittersweet "Sing the Song," he is able to write in his own style. Through all of its faults, this is still an intriguing, if somewhat dark, folk album, able to entertain (Kyp does write some incredible melodies) and provoke thought at the same time. Producer
Don Kerr (
Ron Sexsmith's drummer) does his best to flesh out the melodies by expertly playing several instruments to augment the sound.