Aakuluk is the second album from the Jerry Cans, billed as the most popular band in Iqaluit, Nunavut. It has been out a little while now (it was release this past June), but definitely merits your attention. The quintet's stylistic template is the sort of energetic folk rock popularized by the likes of Spirit of the West and the Pogues, a sound happily devoid of the contrived dynamics of so many current roots rockers. Setting the Jerry Cans apart is the fact that most of their songs are sung in both Inuktitut and English, while the occasional use of throat singing (from Nancy Mike, the only Inuk member of the band) adds both atmosphere and cultural resonance.
Lyrically, the songs (penned by main man Andrew Morrison) are also rooted in home soil and, on tunes like the single "Inurulutuinnaujunga," they possess an optimistic and upbeat feel a mite at odds with the way their region is often portrayed by the media to the south. The use of accordion and violin keeps things rootsy and spirited, while producer Tim Vesely (Rheostatics) captures the sonic energy in crisp fashion. This is a solid effort from a band sure to shine in a live setting.
(Independent)Lyrically, the songs (penned by main man Andrew Morrison) are also rooted in home soil and, on tunes like the single "Inurulutuinnaujunga," they possess an optimistic and upbeat feel a mite at odds with the way their region is often portrayed by the media to the south. The use of accordion and violin keeps things rootsy and spirited, while producer Tim Vesely (Rheostatics) captures the sonic energy in crisp fashion. This is a solid effort from a band sure to shine in a live setting.
