Bernie Grass keeps his tone buoyant and defiant with reflective moods as he invites wisdom into his music, this results into his most cheerful and upbeat record to date. Even at its most vibrant tempo, there’s a sense of space in the production and arrangement that puts the vocals and instruments in smooth contrast.
His new single “First Hundred Years”, taps more into the stewing undercurrents of traditional country music and he sings from a wise man’s perspective, to emphasize that this song is a story that not only entertains but enlightens. And instead of simply applying his voice to the song, the singer-songwriter also pushes his personality to desirable heights and drives toward unpredictable and exciting expressions.
The Canadian singer allows his honeyed voice to prove doubting audiences that he has what it takes to be accepted and recognized among musical peers. From striking vocals to lyrics that blur the line between relationships and hardships, Bernie Grass makes use of his skill and talent to take listeners through a series of gentle ascensions and peaceful plateaus, towards an ecstatic rekindling of the senses.
Unlike most country artists, Bernie Grass isn’t interested in working himself up into volcanic crescendos; instead, he inspires those early moments of a sunrise, where the the birds wake up in the morning, the leaves fall from the trees and the first rays of sunlight melt the morning dew. With plenty of acoustic riffs, the artist’s settled essence always serves as a guide towards delightful optimism of how to handle the present and what’s to come in the future.
“First Hundred Years” is a thoughtful and ambitious record and allows Bernie Grass to be led by a desire to use every instrument around him to its fullest communicative potential. As a result, listening to his record can feel like exploring a well hand-drawn painting, where every object and pattern, though bright and colorful, weighs heavy with meaning.
