Artist: Michael Rault
EP: Whirlpool
Michael Rault had my attention from the first moment I heard MA-ME-O, which was released in 2010. However, I hadn’t had a chance to see him live until recently (and it was only an acoustic set), not long after Rault relocated to Toronto from Edmonton. While Rault is obviously young, his old soul and classic influences speak through his music. It’s quite awe-worthy.
As a follow-up to MA-ME-O, Rault has released a new EP titled Whirlpool via Pirates Blend. Notably (and impressively), Rault recorded most of the instruments himself. Much like on his full-length, the sound throws back to the 50s and 60s with an effortless style. The blues shapes his retro rock and roll sound, but there’s a rough-around-the-edges garage feel to the EP.
The 7-track EP begins with hi-fi “I Wanna Love You” and ends with lo-fi version and single, “I Want To Love You.” The single is an upbeat number, but Rault slows it down for “Everyone Must Cry Sometimes.” “Suckcess” will likely get you clapping along, but Rault finds a way to be catchy without being cheesy throughout the EP. One of my personal favourites on the EP is the cover of The Staple Singers’ “Two Wings,” where Rault reworks this soul/gospel to fit his twangy bluesy sound.
Whirlpool is currently available for free download via Rault’s Bandcamp. And for those in Toronto, Rault is playing an after party show at the Amex Pavillion at the Molson Amphitheatre after The Black Keys show on Saturday, August 4th. His signature blues-infused sound should fit right in with the night. If you’ve got tickets, we certainly recommend you stick around to see Michael Rault. Don’t be surprised if you become an instant fan.
Check out the video for single “I Want To Love You” below.
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