Wes McClintock - "Open Dream"
The story of singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Wes McClintock's second album Open Dream is not unlike that of many artists trying to create during COVID. For so many musicians when touring, nightlife and even commercial opportunities were cut off during the pandemic, the model was adapt or perish. McClintock and his wife, artist Lyra Howell (who designed Open Dream's album art), were luckily able to adapt and flourish.
Moving out of the real estate price-hike center that is Toronto to St. John, New Brunswick for the express purpose of finishing his album inspired McClintock to create the great indie rock/funk/electronica crossover it's become.
"This is the album I've always wanted to create. It evolved out of re-working some very old songs of mine and turned in to a 2-year odyssey that incorporates everything I love about music. The album was begun in a cramped rental home in Toronto in the midst of COVID, and finished in a beautiful house by a hill in the peaceful city of Saint John, New Brunswick. It's a very personal album and a pretty good reflection of who I am, both artistically and personally."
Over two years in the making, Open Dream is a bit of a departure from McClintock's first album, No Service in that he leans much more on his electronic production prowess. It's not unexpected, however, as McClintock has years of multi-genre experience and influence to draw on; experimentation comes with the territory. Self-taught in all his disciplines, McClintock played in many indie bands, including the Juno-nominated Wildness of Manitoba, before going solo and also scores comedy videos and films.
McClintock plays all the instruments and does all the production on all his work, but where No Service was largely Pink Floyd-esque progressive rock with an electronic backing, Open Dream is heavier on the electronic production and gives a more ambient vibe than his previous work. Constructed as a concept album, Open Dream picks up where No Service left off as a commentary on modern society's addiction to technology but there's less irony and more wistfulness in this album, at least if the teaser track "Falling" is anything to go by.
"Falling" also give fans a glimpse of a much more diversified musical style from McClintock, with lashings of Yes, Zappa and Switched-on Bach. A complex think piece that's both fun and funky, it's no wonder it took two years to create. In McClintock's case, it is indeed a very good thing that he was able to adapt and finish this beautiful Open Dream.
Moving out of the real estate price-hike center that is Toronto to St. John, New Brunswick for the express purpose of finishing his album inspired McClintock to create the great indie rock/funk/electronica crossover it's become.
"This is the album I've always wanted to create. It evolved out of re-working some very old songs of mine and turned in to a 2-year odyssey that incorporates everything I love about music. The album was begun in a cramped rental home in Toronto in the midst of COVID, and finished in a beautiful house by a hill in the peaceful city of Saint John, New Brunswick. It's a very personal album and a pretty good reflection of who I am, both artistically and personally."
Over two years in the making, Open Dream is a bit of a departure from McClintock's first album, No Service in that he leans much more on his electronic production prowess. It's not unexpected, however, as McClintock has years of multi-genre experience and influence to draw on; experimentation comes with the territory. Self-taught in all his disciplines, McClintock played in many indie bands, including the Juno-nominated Wildness of Manitoba, before going solo and also scores comedy videos and films.
McClintock plays all the instruments and does all the production on all his work, but where No Service was largely Pink Floyd-esque progressive rock with an electronic backing, Open Dream is heavier on the electronic production and gives a more ambient vibe than his previous work. Constructed as a concept album, Open Dream picks up where No Service left off as a commentary on modern society's addiction to technology but there's less irony and more wistfulness in this album, at least if the teaser track "Falling" is anything to go by.
"Falling" also give fans a glimpse of a much more diversified musical style from McClintock, with lashings of Yes, Zappa and Switched-on Bach. A complex think piece that's both fun and funky, it's no wonder it took two years to create. In McClintock's case, it is indeed a very good thing that he was able to adapt and finish this beautiful Open Dream.
Wes McClintock - "Open Dream"
Reviewed by Michael
on
8/11/2023
Rating:
Reviewed by Michael
on
8/11/2023
Rating:
