MAY CHILD - review added 2nd February 2010
Album Review: May Child (self-titled) (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and Canadian surprises
This eponymous album from May Child was originally recorded and released in 2007. As of 2009 the album has received a full label release, so it seemed like a good time to check it out.
Founded by Montreal guitarist and composer Yvan Roberge, May Child also includes Marc Spenard on vocals, Michael Shotton on drums, and Corey Macfadyen on bass. I wasn't expecting a huge amount from the album. I am glad I was wrong.
The sound is upbeat and splendidly hard rocking, beautifully balanced and really well performed. Extra kudos must go to the vocals which are simply perfect. Marc has a great tone with a lot of brooding power bubbling beneath the surface. He has a clear, crisp voice with a definite slice of rock to his stylings.
Numerous tracks are worthy of attention. The title 'Warrior' suggests it should be a mean meaty affair, but it's actually a fluffy sounding hard rock track with more charm than Cassanova's particularly smooth cousin. The slower 'In Many A Ways' is utterly brilliant without shouting about it. 'Preacher's Story' is even better. How good does that chorus want to be?! 'Sunshine' is a cool upbeat West Coast style track that's as feel good as an endorphin sandwich. 'The Call' is a decent effort too; especially the double kicks toward the end.
This self-titled album deserves a big slab of praise. It doesn't do anything groundbreaking. It does, however, do all the normal things especially well. It might not be cutting edge but you could do a hell of a lot worse than have this record in your collection. I can't wait for May Child's next release. If they can take the best bits from this one and build on them, it should be something special!
Check out... Track 5 for it's amazing chorus.
Track List:
01. Mission
02. Warrior
03. Feeling
04. In Many A Ways
05. Preacher's Story
06. All The Things We're Missing
07. Sunshine
08. Borrowed Ship
09. The Call
10. Have A Cigar
Label: Z-Records
Artist's website(s): May Child , MySpace
