Self + Medicine: Sykamore, Album Review
2018 is starting with excitement and new music for Sykamore, as the 26 year old Carseland, Alberta native releases her new album, Self + Medicine.
The six song EP is a combination of unreleased tracks and previous singles, and showcases the voice that will endear her to fans, and the songwriting chops that earned her a publishing deal with Home Team, the publishing house run by Virginia Davis, Rhett Akins, and Thomas Rhett.
Throughout the EP we hear songs of love and heartbreak – solid material for country music. It’s uplifting and lovely, it’s sad and sweet, it’s youthful and emotional, and it’s a set of six songs that offer an opportunity for connection with listeners who are willing to close their eyes, listen, and be taken on a trip through their own stories.
Self + Medicine also does a great job or varying tempos, mixing up the beats, and giving listeners something new to key in on (past her voice) in each song.
From the opening notes of We Were Alright (the longest song on the EP) to start the show, to the playful shout of “Take that all you Hillbillies!” at the very end of Dance Card, Sykamore makes the most of her 21 minutes of album. And while we wish there were about four more songs here to prolong our listening experience, this is a strong start for the Calgary-based artist.
Note: The nod to 90’s classic, Don’t Rock The Jukebox, in Dance Card, is one of my favourite little moments on the EP. And if you love Alan Jackson, you’ll likely love it too.
The first time we saw Sykamore live was in late 2015 when she hit the stage in Toronto at The Phoenix for a one song showcase performance. That night we heard the young Calgary-based singer/songwriter perform Houseboat, which was released as a single in April of 2016 and appears as track number five on Self + Medicine. We’re glad the track made the record so that folks who may not have heard it before get a chance to now.
The current single, Better Half, was released in April 2017, and has received new life with the release of an official music video (her first) on December 29. The song is a good time, sweet and easy to get into, and paints the picture of the kind of supporting relationship that we’re all hoping to be lucky enough to have when good turns to bad.
These six songs are a great introduction to country music fans that don’t know Sykamore, and they’re a fantastic reward for fans that have been with her over the last few years.
Listen to Self + Medicine today and leave a comment telling us which track is your favourite!
Sykamore, Self + Medicine Tracklist
1. We Were Alright
2. Playing The Fool
3. Hayloft
4. Better Half
5. Houseboat
6. Dance Card
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