Album Review: Kathryn Calder’s Bright and Vivid is deceptive and breathtaking

Occasionally, artists reveal the personal situations that sparked inspiration for their music. Victoria BC's Kathryn Calder, who's well-known for her tenure in indie darlings The New Pornographers and Immaculate Machine, recorded two albums in her living room in the span of just over a year while caring for her terminally ill mother. The second of these albums, Bright and Vivid, rewards and reminds listeners of the unexpected and refreshing ways that one deals with heady matters like grief.

The title and art of Calder's sophomore album inform and complement the music within. The cover and press photos depict tumult-- the covering of eyes in the midst of swirling colours. At the same time, there are birds rising above, observing. Similarly, effects-laden guitars and background distortion launch the album in opener "One Two Three," where Calder's voice, tinny and tiny, floats vulnerable and alone in an expanse of noise.

In tracks like "All the Things" and "New Frame of Mind," Calder seems glad to slip to the background and let the instrumentals cycle and swirl. Behind that noisy shield are some of the most vulnerable, simple yet piercing lyricism you'll come across this year.

I wish I could help... maybe tomorrow

That's not to say that Bright and Vivid is a somber affair. In fact, casual listeners will find themselves whistling and humming along to stand out pop tracks such as single "Who Are You?" and "Turn A Light On." Upon closer listens, you'll find a heavy and searching lyrical streak throughout the tracks, propped by Calder's buoyant, angelic voice. A master of deception, Kathryn Calder spawns dance hits with existential challenges. Bright and Vivid demonstrate her incredible growth as a songwriter in the span of a year and is in a word, breathtaking.

Bright and Vivid is available October 25th via File Under: Music. You can find it at your local record store or online. Canadian tour dates will be announced soon.