It’s almost always a welcome surprise to hear cello mixed in with modern sounds. I am undeniably biased as a cellist myself, but the relentlessly rich tone that the cello provides can add a depth and purity to a lot of music. My love of the cello’s potential is fully realized in Aiden Knight’s Small Reveal. The sophomore album from the Canadian musician and with it Knight has not only added the ever-appreciated cello, but also a full band (kindly dubbed the Friendly Friends) with a full repertoire of musical talents.
Small Reveal is expertly book-ended. The album opens with “Dream Team” and closes with “Margaret Downe;” these two songs are easily two of the best on the record. “Margaret Downe” seems to call on a mix of Andrew Bird and Leonard Cohen. The song itself is a tragic narrative about a miscarriage and a failed marriage; while the music tone of the song matches the intensively depressive storyline the beauty of the composition somehow leaves you feeling alternatively positive. On the other end of the spectrum and album “Dream Team” introduces the album with a quiet uncertainty wherein Knight questions “Holding sea salt in my hands / don’t you ever want to pour me out?” before confidently breaking into an electric interlude.
It’s obvious in Small Reveal that Knight’s background is as an individual songwriter. The album is driven by Knight’s vocal melodies and lyrics with the rest of the band following suit. The additional instruments and the clout they bring serve to push Aidan Knight (speaking of the band now, not just the front man) over the fine line between simple singer-songwriter and experimenting new artist. There’s nothing particularly characteristic or distinctive about Knight’s voice. Its lack of effect, however, lets the baritone beauty speak for itself and further allows the listener unrivaled access to Knight’s poetic lyrics. He certainly knows how to pack emotional punches in his voice alone and the clean production throughout the record showcases Knight’s vocal capabilities.
The album itself has a strong fabric; the energies of the tracks oscillate but never falter making for a captivating release for Aidan Knight. Small Reveal is available on the band’s official website and on bandcamp. You can also check out Aidan Knight’s Facebook for the group’s upcoming U.S. tour dates.
