The amount of soothing folk records hailing from Canada is frankly impressive. There’s probably a good reason for it – the beautiful nature and remote iconic landscapes speak for themselves. Sensible creatives such as Dare Wren Smiles are able to distil such beauty in artistic terms, using it for inspiration to write cathartic pieces and deliver ethereal, hazy tones. The result is acoustic-powered matter with an almost magical contour, a mysterious energy that wraps the listeners into introspection and a heartwarming character.
‘Portal’ is the strongest evidence of that. Dare Wren Smiles’ latest effort, the album could be seen as a nuanced, vibrant artistic journey into the Canadian talent’s musical flair. Rallying a series of talented creatives from BC around him (iLLann and Daryl Chonka among others), he crafts a whopping 24 pieces of musical goodness, all quite eclectic in their instrumental outlook. From the sax solo in ‘The Moon’ to the ambient soundscapes in ‘Rainbows’, there’s something for everyone in it.
Overall, this is a record that deserves time and care. It needs to be absorbed, understood and treated with respect – Dare Wren Smiles will reciprocate with some of the most stunning music you have heard in a long time. Speaking about the inspiration behind it, he explains: “I believe that there is a lot of divisiveness in the world. The language and narratives people use to describe themselves and their own little universes matter. I wanted to create an album that reminded people that they are able to change their perspectives, even when it’s hard.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Portal’ on Spotify:
