Graydon James & the Young Novelists – A Small Town Eulogy

Band: Graydon James & the Young Novelists
EP: A Small Town Eulogy

Graydon James & the Young Novelists are releasing A Small Town Eulogy, an EP follow up to their 2009 40-track double album Goodnight, Young Novelist. The Toronto-based 6-piece is comprised of Graydon James (vocals, acoustic guitar), Laura Spink (vocals), Noel Di Tosto (electric guitar, mandolin, banjo), Alex Dodd (piano, organ), Shawn Jurek (bass, vocals), and Mike Paddags (drums). We’ve caught this folk/roots rock band live before and with such a wide variety of instruments on stage, their layers really stand out. This is no less the case on their recordings.

There is such a familiarity to James’ vocals, as the EP opens with his voice on “It Takes All Kinds.” With the additional help that was enlisted from Elaine Choi (violin, viola, clarinet), James McEleney (double bass) and Patric McGroarty (cornet), there are these hidden gems within the songs, such as the horn on “Exception to the Rule,” that really show the band’s ability to write a good song.

Spink takes the lead on “Left Behind,” featuring, some skilful guitar work in the middle of the song before a great built-up followed by a tempo change and Spink’s vocals embracing the listener. The EP ends with “Take Your Time,” with James and Spink trading lead, which bursts into a bit of a hoedown with rockin’ banjo work and explosive keys. It’s a great way to end off this short release.

The 4-song EP carries such maturity, with each song distinct yet fitting together so nicely. Having such an extensive catalogue with only a few releases under their belt, it’s impressive that Graydon James & The Young Novelists still find a way to be fresh, while staying true to their comforting sounds. Although A Small Town Eulogy is already floating around the internet, their release date has been set for April 15th. Stay tuned for a hometown EP release show.