ROYAL CITY
At Rush Hour The Cars (Three Gut)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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After a couple of swell solo records and a stint with punkers Minnow, Aaron Riches (famous for being the subject of Robert Munsch's latest book) hooked up with Jim Guthrie to try yet another style about face. Gone is the punker. Gone is the gravel voiced folkie. The latest Riches voice is reserved, sweet and soft. Royal City makes breathtaking music. The stuff that requires attention, being too fragile for background music. It seems that the band tries to play as quietly as possible, then turns it down another notch. Amps at one, everyone! What this achieves is a sneaky power of dynamics when the tempo shifts. A reward for listening closely if you will. And you will.

© 2001 - John Sekerka