Heuchert, Cary: Hourglass

Cary Heuchert is a name I have not heard in a while. The former native of saskatoon (my hometown) now resides in Vancouver. I very much enjoyed his last release Blue Rain (2014) and on his latest platter titled Hourglass, he continues with his laid-back singer/songwriter approach psychedelic-tinged folk rock. Like Blue Rain, this one of those albums that is so very easy to listen to.

Heuchert plays most of the instruments himself including lead and backing vocals, 6 and 12 string guitars, nylon-string guitar, baritone guitar, guitar synthesizer, Mellotron, Moog synthesizer, piano, bass, fretless bass. He does have a little help from a few friends including:

Grant Ball (drums and percussion)
Tony Pagliuca (piano on “You Are The World To Me�)
Collin Wade (bass on “Forever And So Far� and “I Don’t Want To say Goodnight To You�)
Jay Semko �" a fellow Saskatoonian and high school classmate! (vocal harmonies on “Forever And So Far�)
Miles Hill (fretless bass on “When Fortune Smiles�)

I really enjoyed Blue Rain and I have to say Hourglass is at least as good to these ears. The first three tracks almost listen as a three-part suite as each tune leads to the next. “This Is The Time� is a lovely acoustic folk tune with Heuchert‘s melodic nylon string guitar and soothing lead vocals. His voice is so pleasant and easy to listen to with such a welcoming tone. “The Sea Of Faces� begins with sounds of the ocean, light guitar phrasings and synth embellishments. Psychedelic undertones give it a hazy feel and the fragmented vocal effects and trippy synths will allure those who long for a bygone era, decades past. “You Are The World To Me� has a nice flow, enriched with Mellotron, and the slow paced “Waiting For You� has a distinct late ‘60s Floyd feel, very moody and psychedelic. Heuchert sings,

“On the midnight highway the moonlight shivers
I can feel the touch of your hand again in mine
Let’s take our time�

With affairs of the heart, it is best to take it slow and the tune’s slowly evolving lines and gentle nature perfectly mirror Heuchert’s moving lyrics.

More highlights include the Mellotron drenched “From The Corner Of My Eye�, the late ‘60s/early ‘70s psychedelic folk sound of “Forever And So Far�, and the retro pop of “Together� where Heuchert’s guitar tone has a little more bite. Another infectious slice of ear candy.

Hourglass is such and endearing record, from an artist who deserves more recognition, especially from his home country. I just hope the word gets out as Heuchert’s music has much to offer, his tasteful playing and hooks spoke to me almost immediately. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. This Is The Time (3:06)
2. The Sea Of Faces (4:11)
3. You Are The World To Me (3:21)
4. Waiting For You (3:26)
5. From The Corner Of My Eye (3:35)
6. Forever And So Far (3:09)
7. Together (4:23)
8. I Don’t Want To Say Goodnight To You (3:23)
9. Hourglass (4:24)
10. When Fortune Smiles (4:40)

Added: April 10th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Bandcamp
Hits: 964
Language: english

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