CD Review

Title: What the Boat Gave the River

Artist: Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few

Label: Redux/KBM

Release Date: Sep 16 2008

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

The first interesting thing to note about this album is that it is a companion disc to “What the River Gave the Boat,” which was released in 2007. Each of the songs on this record is meant as a sister to a song on the last one, and they will echo it in mood, tone or story. Berube has teamed up with a new band for this album, and has also relocated to Montreal where his family has its roots.

The lyrics are earnest, and the symphonic qualities of the songs are moving in an uplifting and meaningful way. Each song is full of life and teaming with meaning in the plentiful, grandiose words. There is a sort of over-arching grandeur to each track that overtakes itself and becomes either a pleading lament or a celebratory anthem. With strings, accordion, glockenspiel, and plucked piano, the harmonies on the record are striking as they seamlessly accompany the vocals of Berube.   

While dealing with serious subjects such as never-ending wars and homelessness, the album still has an optimistic feeling that one would imagine getting if surrounded by a choir backed by an orchestra. Natural and honest, this album is both spontaneous and controlled with the power of a captured firecracker.  

1) Looking for Another 5:01

2) Say it ain’t so 4:58

3) We Go Down 3:02

4) Yesterday’s Halo 5:40

5) Caulfield Line 5:45

6) Alarms Pt. 2 4:39

7) Til the Morning 3:57

8) Flowers on the Stones 3:05

9) Minus 17 4:01

10) Shiny Plastic Bags/Barber Shop Pt. 2 12:20