It seems there is an influx of new acts jumping on the folk bandwagon and Connor Pohl and TJ Rounthwaite – aka Canadian duo Violent Night – are certainly on that ride but they’re determined to separate themselves from the rest. Their EP, “I Hope You’re Well” is extremely emotionally charged with magical arrangements that cannot be filed away just under the folk pigeonhole.
The four-track EP introduces a slight upbeat, new wave-ish effort, “Wait”. As Pohl’s baritone vocals become crispy light through the recording, it bears some influence of Coldplay. There isn’t a trace of any folk music until the collection hits the third effort, “Comedown”. The lone acoustic guitar gives that punch of folkiness, whereas the atmospheric soundscape offers pure tranquillity and a modern edge to the genre.
The duo left the best to last with title track, “I Hope You’re Well” (watch the video here). Featuring a similar tone to the previous track, it’s injected with more of the Coldplay-style intensity, from the bold execution of the guitar along with Pohl’s emotional-than-ever vocals.
It could be argued that this EP is a copycat of the British ambient rock band, but there’s something else about these guys that makes them very special, just quite put my finger on it – but one thing for certain, they have every chance on this earth to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
