In a world where everything seems to be standardised, where following trends seems to pay off, it is increasingly rare to discover artists brave enough to pursue their own path. When we do discover one, we celebrate it, like a rare pearl just found in the ocean. Canadian songstress Zoe Guigueno is exactly that: a rare pearl – or gem – in a sea of faceless, grey sea stone.
A proficient singer and songwriter, Guigueno champions a very eclectic and kaleidoscopic sonic formula, borrowing here and there to deliver a peculiar and authentic style. Take for instance ‘Benefit of the Doubt’, one of the project’s latest singles. A beautiful, tame yet intense number, the track balances itself over organic folk and pop matter. A wide and spacious, almost cinematic piano is soon joined by free-form drums and subtle guitars, building a groovy yet flowy instrumental; the perfect framework for Guigueno’s evocative, controlled vocals, telling tales of personal experience and reckoning with inspired attitude.
Towards the end, a jazzy guitar solo brings the song to its natural closing moment. What a treat! Lyrically, ‘Benefit of the Doubt’ seeks to depict an open-hearted letter the author received from a pen pal. Taken from the album ‘We Were Radar Stations’, the single is certainly a record worth your attention. The attention that Zoe Guigueno fully deserves.
Recommended! Discover ‘Benefit of the Doubt’ on Spotify: