Between them, the quartet have put in years of gigging with an array of bands including Salsa Celtica, The Groovediggaz, Scottish folk whippersnappers Bodega and Canada’s Rock Island Ramblers, members of which formed Vancouver’s finest purveyors of acoustic eclecticism, The Bills.
A little bit of all of those elements – and quite a bit more – has gone into the Sinners’ own supercharged roots rock, and despite this being only their second gig, their rhythm section especially shows considerable togetherness. Theirs is a relentless style that, for all its punch, however, is more easily admired than loved.
Chief songwriter, singer and guitarist Aidan Curran has work to do as a frontman. He has a tough, blue-collar voice but his enunciation needs to be clearer and more consistent and he’s apt to step off-mic at crucial points as he strains to carry out the twin roles of singer and guitar hero.
The whole performance might actually benefit from a producer’s input to tidy things up. There are undoubtedly good moments and Curran’s partnership with fiddler Ross Couper, who brings Shetland schooling, bluegrass zip and all-round able musicianship to the band, could yet produce sparks.
For the minute, though, they’re both guilty of falling into the so many notes, so little music habit.
We could also have done with being played and sung to – rather than at – a bit more.
Even when a soul ballad or a blues tune promised a change of pace or mood, these too were given the sort of crunching arrangements that ultimately rendered good intentions as a feat of endurance.
Star rating: **
