The Ballantynes
Dark Drives, Life Signs (La Ti Da Records)
Vancouver’s Ballantynes have long been one of the city’s most exciting live acts, and despite a string of singles, a full-length has been long overdue.
Well, the wait has certainly been worth it, as The Ballantynes have crafted an absolute gem of an album. Under the able hand of producer Felix Fung, Dark Drives, Life Signs does well to capture the energy of their live shows and shows remarkable depth for a soul band that won’t be pigeoned-holed by the genre. Veins of gospel, garage, and even ska run throughout the album, ensuring no two songs sound the same.
One of the many not-so-secrets to the Ballantynes’ success is the formidable vocal trifecta formed by Jarrod O’Dell’s understated crooning, the massive pipes of Jennifer Wilks and Vanessa Dandurand’s sultry tones. The trio perfectly compliment each other, taking turns fronting the songs on Dark Drives, Life Signs.
The album opens with “PMA”, a horn-laden confessional from O’Dell where he asks “I’ve always wanted someone better than me, for you.” On “My Place Your Town”, Dandurand gets in touch with her inner Amy Winehouse, while Wilks’ packs a velvet-gloved punch on “You Were Mine” and “I Believe”.
The band – which normally includes guitarist Corey Poluk, bassist Max Sample, and drummer Michael McDiarmid – is joined by a full horn and string section, which could get a little crowded when they take to the stage later this month in support of the album.
If Dark Drives, Life Signs doesn’t get your toes tapping, you might want to check for life signs yourself.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
