Rating: NNNN
Since releasing last year’s Confusion Unlimited, Sudbury sweetheart Kate Maki has amassed a crew of like-minded cronies to help flesh out her ragged, bittersweet road songs. It’s a smart move. Dave Draves adds some ace organ fills that transform revamped versions of Mid-March Blues and Forever Blue from singer/songwriter ditties into slow-burning soul numbers, Dale Murray’s pedal steel is beautiful and the backing choir of Maki’s buds adds a homey campfire-singalong dimension. While she still often sounds eerily like Sarah Harmer, the weathered warmth of Maki’s vocals is well-suited to the world-weary narratives she spins. The Sun Will Find Us ain’t rocket science, and Maki has yet to put out her best album, but it’s well-crafted, straight-up country rock. Kate Maki hits the 360 tonight (Thursday, December 2).
