reviewed by Laura Stanley 

I’m not quite sure what, as the band defines themselves on Bandcamp, “Prairie-Shred-Metal” consist of but if it sounds anything like the Saskatchewan collective Nick Faye & The Deputies, it might catch on. A blend of rock and a little bit of country, Nick Faye & The Deputies’ third release has depth to it.

Featuring the spackle texture of the ceiling and the whiteness of the lightbulb, Worry’s album cover says a lot about their latest release. The band writes about Worry: “the album explores the complexities that mental illnesses introduce to an individual attempting to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.” On days when it is just too hard to get out of bed, that glowing orb above your bed is sometimes the only thing that you can muster staring at. Most prominently expressed through the record’s lyrics, Faye and his band capture these messy feelings that come with heartbreak and loss and the subsequent breakdown of one’s mental health. 

Despite all of this, “Sheryl Crow” starts Worry off on a charming note. Although the lyrics ultimately fall under the above album description, the lyric, “I guess I mess up the line ‘you were my favourite mistake’” adds some lightless to a sullen tune. 

“All The Way Around” has some of the clearest expressions of the album’s theme of the struggle with mental health issues. The song’s opening lines read of despair, “you always told me that the world was gonna end. Well now I’m waiting for it, hoping for it.” In contrast to these darker lyrics, “All The Way Round” is quite upbeat and melodious particularly during its collectively sung chorus and its slight horn addition. 

Beginning very softly with the faint sound of a violin in the background, the final song “St. Victor” is the most folk-country of the bunch. The additional pedal steel and acoustic rooted sound is a dead giveaway for that conclusion but within the lyrics are some of Faye’s most descriptive and introspective from the record for a melancholy story that’s a suitable partner for the genre. 

Mark Worry down as another promising addition to this Prairie-proud band’s collection. 

Reminder: your mental health is just as important as your physical health. For more information and where to find help please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association. Hoots + love. 

Top Tracks: “Sheryl Crow,” “St. Victor”

Rating: Strong Hoot (Good)