Folksy Halifax-based singer-songwriter Jessica Lewis channels the folk and country music of a bygone era in her music under the moniker Cactus Flower, and she's ready to share her take on the classic genre with her debut album. Titled Magic Hour, the record will be released independently on July 24.
It was recorded in Lewis' hometown at Echo Chamber with the help of engineer Dave Ewenson, and features contributions from special guests like Levon Campbell on keyboards (Hymm), Evan Cardwell on bass (Bad Vibrations) and Asa Brosius on pedal steel (JP Harris, Dark for Dark, Rose Cousins).
According to a press release, Lewis takes inspiration for her sound as Cactus Flower from 1960s greats like the Beatles, the Byrds, Harry Nilsson and the Monkees. Blending the jangly psychedelia and pop sensibilities of the era with a knack for writing stories about free-spirited and adventurous women, Lewis presents a refreshing take on an already beloved sound.
You can hear the first sonic sampling of that on the record's lead single "Darkest Hour." Not your typical country ballad, vibrant electric guitars and warbling keyboard sounds carry it into the modern age, while maintaining some trippy twists along the way.
Scroll past the tracklisting for Magic Hour to give it a listen in the player below.
Magic Hour:
1. China Blue
2. Darkest Hour
3. Summertime
4. Jojo
5. Left The Lights On
6. Redbird
7. Cola
8. Lose Your Head
9. Lady In Red
10. You Messed Up
It was recorded in Lewis' hometown at Echo Chamber with the help of engineer Dave Ewenson, and features contributions from special guests like Levon Campbell on keyboards (Hymm), Evan Cardwell on bass (Bad Vibrations) and Asa Brosius on pedal steel (JP Harris, Dark for Dark, Rose Cousins).
According to a press release, Lewis takes inspiration for her sound as Cactus Flower from 1960s greats like the Beatles, the Byrds, Harry Nilsson and the Monkees. Blending the jangly psychedelia and pop sensibilities of the era with a knack for writing stories about free-spirited and adventurous women, Lewis presents a refreshing take on an already beloved sound.
You can hear the first sonic sampling of that on the record's lead single "Darkest Hour." Not your typical country ballad, vibrant electric guitars and warbling keyboard sounds carry it into the modern age, while maintaining some trippy twists along the way.
Scroll past the tracklisting for Magic Hour to give it a listen in the player below.
Magic Hour:
1. China Blue
2. Darkest Hour
3. Summertime
4. Jojo
5. Left The Lights On
6. Redbird
7. Cola
8. Lose Your Head
9. Lady In Red
10. You Messed Up
