Rating: NNNN
A song called Evening makes two appearances on Wilderness of Manitoba’s eight-song debut EP. Fuelled by gorgeous, effortless four-part harmonies and gently plucked banjo, the first version wistfully evokes 60s Peter, Paul and Mary and leaves us imagining amazing things to come for this folkie, stripped-down Toronto five-piece.
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It’s initially disappointing, then, to hear the song again, this time at the album’s close and sung by Wendy Blackburn, who wrote it in the 60s. A cover, we sigh. A little research reveals more to the story. Blackburn is WOM singer Will Whitwham’s mother, an obscure 60s folksinger whose star failed to rise despite her obvious talent.
Blackburn passed away earlier this year, leading Whitwham, who usually stars with WOM member Scott Bouwmeester in indie rock band Provincial Parks, to create a new sound and band from her inspiration. This is a warm, lo-fi, earnest EP of stunning voices raised in tribute.
Top track: Evening
Wilderness of Manitoba play Sneaky Dee’s on Sunday (August 30).
