The Sheepdogs – Paradise Alone EP
Saskatchewan based Canadian rock band The Sheepdogs have a made a nice little retro-focussed, southern slanted classic rock niche for themselves ever since 2007 debut album Trying To Grow.
With a myriad of influences (from The Beatles to embryonic bluesy Zeppelin), but with a strong focus on the likes of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Allman Brothers (if you blend or mash-up that latter trio you have the core sound of this talented quintet, close harmonies n' all), The Sheepdogs have a joyful habit of consistently delivering what the they describe as "pure and simple (you can also add sweet and soulful) good-time music."
Paradise Alone, the band’s fourth EP (every couple of albums they like to drop in an EP or mini-album; thus ensuring there is always new material for the next set of gigs or tour – this band never seem to be off the road) is a perfect five song encapsulation of The Sheepdogs musical modus operandi and their infectious, high-harmony, and unashamedly retro (akin to Stateside FM Radio of the early to mid 70s) appeal.
Sub three-minute opener 'Take Me For a Ride' is mid-tempo boogie on down the highway that wouldn’t have been out of place blaring out the car radio circa 1975 (think Bachman Turner overdrive with great four and five part harmonies), while singing along with lead Sheepdog and primary songwriter Ewan Currie.
'Darlin' Baby,' by contrast, is a delightful Californian pop meets Nashville country styled number that allows Ewan Currie to drop into a smoother crooner vocality that recalls Glen Campbell (not in timbre, but in easy on the ear style).
The similarly down-tempo 'My Baby' has lovely southern country/ pop appeal, further enhanced by harmonies Crosby Stills & Nash would be proud to call their own.
An Allmans styled twin guitar bridge leads to a return of the opening chorus, subtly ending the song as charmingly as it started.
The Sheepdogs get their country rock and roll on for 'Let Me In,' which mixes a little honky-tonk with, again, those twin-guitar Allmans moments.
Delicately arranged southern ballad 'POS' closes out the album, the piano remarks of Shamus Currie helping support elder brother Ewan Currie’s best vocal of the five song set.
If you are a fan of The Sheepdogs or familiar with their material, you already know how good this band can be when in their fully retro’d, good-time guise.
If not, then Paradise Alone and their 2022 dovetailing brace of last studio album Outta Sight and Live At Lee’s (yep, they can also cut it live) are pretty good places to start herding your collection.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ
The Sheepdogs will be touring Europe and the UK in November and December.
Full list of dates and ticket info at: https://thesheepdogs.com/#tour
With a myriad of influences (from The Beatles to embryonic bluesy Zeppelin), but with a strong focus on the likes of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Allman Brothers (if you blend or mash-up that latter trio you have the core sound of this talented quintet, close harmonies n' all), The Sheepdogs have a joyful habit of consistently delivering what the they describe as "pure and simple (you can also add sweet and soulful) good-time music."
Paradise Alone, the band’s fourth EP (every couple of albums they like to drop in an EP or mini-album; thus ensuring there is always new material for the next set of gigs or tour – this band never seem to be off the road) is a perfect five song encapsulation of The Sheepdogs musical modus operandi and their infectious, high-harmony, and unashamedly retro (akin to Stateside FM Radio of the early to mid 70s) appeal.
Sub three-minute opener 'Take Me For a Ride' is mid-tempo boogie on down the highway that wouldn’t have been out of place blaring out the car radio circa 1975 (think Bachman Turner overdrive with great four and five part harmonies), while singing along with lead Sheepdog and primary songwriter Ewan Currie.
'Darlin' Baby,' by contrast, is a delightful Californian pop meets Nashville country styled number that allows Ewan Currie to drop into a smoother crooner vocality that recalls Glen Campbell (not in timbre, but in easy on the ear style).
The similarly down-tempo 'My Baby' has lovely southern country/ pop appeal, further enhanced by harmonies Crosby Stills & Nash would be proud to call their own.
An Allmans styled twin guitar bridge leads to a return of the opening chorus, subtly ending the song as charmingly as it started.
The Sheepdogs get their country rock and roll on for 'Let Me In,' which mixes a little honky-tonk with, again, those twin-guitar Allmans moments.
Delicately arranged southern ballad 'POS' closes out the album, the piano remarks of Shamus Currie helping support elder brother Ewan Currie’s best vocal of the five song set.
If you are a fan of The Sheepdogs or familiar with their material, you already know how good this band can be when in their fully retro’d, good-time guise.
If not, then Paradise Alone and their 2022 dovetailing brace of last studio album Outta Sight and Live At Lee’s (yep, they can also cut it live) are pretty good places to start herding your collection.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ
The Sheepdogs will be touring Europe and the UK in November and December.
Full list of dates and ticket info at: https://thesheepdogs.com/#tour