Matthew Maaskant (Canada): Ambient Folk
As much as we here in Canada long for the summer months, with days spent roaming comfortably chaotic urban landscapes or lounging around in the close intimacy of friends lake and fireside, ours is a winter nation, indelibly characterized by its long cold months of low light, huddled contemplation and plaintive, introspective song. That’s not to say that the Great White North isn’t as much about musical romp and rambunctiousness in all its many forms – for certain, headier aural blends, be they electric guitar or synth-led, are a necessity in keeping our weary bodies young. But there’s something about the reflective nature of the folk-influenced sounds and spirit you hear and feel while staring through the bottom of an empty glass that at one time or another has introduced each us to our most isolated selves. It is from this place that Matthew Maaskant delivers his debut solo album, Believe It Or Not, This Is The Place.
