Three Metre Day

This new Toronto, ON trio feature seasoned veterans Don Rooke and Hugh Marsh and young singer-songwriter Michelle Willis. Rooke and Marsh previously spearheaded the excellent the Henrys, and fans of that group will find plenty to enjoy here. Rooke's signature warm, melodic guitar work and Marsh's atmospheric violin playing dovetail neatly with Willis's pristine voice and haunting pump organ playing, while the ace rhythm section of David Piltch and Davide Direnzo add subtle touches. While the mostly instrumental the Henrys told poetic stories wordlessly, Three Metre Day achieve a similar result with eloquent lyrics from Rooke that range from the philosophical ("The Crown," an album highlight, and "Important Stories") to the comic ("Reputation Girl"). The record is something of a grower, one that will richly repay your attention. There's no coasting here.