The keen reader might remember Canadian troubadour dr.rift. Writing about ‘No Death’ earlier this year, we proudly declared it as “packed with blissful vocal harmonies and a strong folk-lenient character”. We also marked the piece as “a worthy entry into dr.rift’s imaginative artistic universe”. We stand by our words; by having a firm knowledge of the project, we can now delve deeper into the Canadian creative’s wider homonym album, out now.
‘dr.rift’ is an eclectic, expansive record. Oscillating between folk, Americana, rock and psychedelia, the album is simply a vessel for dr.rift’s wholesome and introspective lyricism, taking us through the many creases of the human experience, as well as a meaningful journey through grief, loss and acceptance. As Kyle Halldorson – the human behind the project – explains: “Losing my dad just days before we were set to record the album shifted everything. I was paralyzed at first, but finishing this record became my way through. It became the thing I clung to—my way to grieve, to remember, to feel alive again.”
Over twelve cathartic and striking pieces, ‘dr.rift’ takes the listeners by surprise, offering an aural storyline that’s charming and intense, with potent drums and guitar distortion finding a worthy place, as well as gentler acoustic episodes and more evocative goodness. Overall, this is a highly hypnotising and complex record, a comprehensive body of work that feels personal yet also open to inspire anyone who might be in need of a little pick-me-up.
Recommended! Discover ‘dr.rift’ on Spotify:
