Slow Leaves - Second Chance

by Adrian Huggins

published: 27 / 1 / 2014

Label: Slow Leaves
Format: CDS

Understated but unique acoustic folk/country from Slow Leaves, the project of Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter Grant Davidson

Review

Slow Leaves is the solo guise of Winnipeg native Grant Davidson who, having met producer Rusty Matyas in a rehearsal space in his home city, has released ‘Second Chances’, a three track EP that features some choice cuts from his forthcoming debut album ‘Beauty is So Common’. Davidson leans toward the folkish, country side of music, while Matyas has brought his ability to put it all together into making this something far more unique. The result is a gentle and uplifting set of songs that have echoes of James Taylor. There is a wonderful warmth to the songs, which include ‘Life of a Better Man’, ‘Seconds Chances’ and ‘Careless and Serene’. While old time country acts such as the Carter Family and Hank Williams, is cited as being one of Davidson’s main influences, their influence is literal rather than being a complete modern rehash of it. I was very pleasantly surprised by ‘Second Chances’. Slow Leaves are just one of the 800 million ‘acoustic acts’ out there, but there is a lot more to them. Davidson is helped along with a full band set-up featuring piano/organ and drums, the use of which is understated and used to perfection and backs the sound up rather than filling it out for the sake of it. ‘Second Chances’ is a gentle yet completely engaging listen.