Saskatoon’s The Deep Dark Woods has created an album to help you
fill winter’s long, dark hours with appropriately sad, introspective
music. Produced in Vancouver by Steve Dawson, the band’s third album is
reminiscent of Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne—not surprisingly, both
were recorded live off the floor. Ryan Boldt’s candid lyrics and
understated delivery shine through on “Farewell,” “How Can I Try” and
“All the Money I Had is Gone.” Beautiful harmonies from Chris Mason
(bass) and Lucas Goetz (drums, pedal steel) fill out the vocal sound.
Closer “The Sun Never Shines” jams on too long—but I don’t always get
it when Neil Young does that. Sarah Greene
This article appears in Mar 5-11, 2009.