Into an industry where bellowing at the top of your lungs often constitutes as singing, where slick pre-packaging is touted as style and a gimmick is equated to originality, steps singer/songwriter Joshua Hyslop. This young artist from Abbotsford, BC is about as real as you can get.

Joshua Hyslop’s EP may be called Cold Wind but his quiet, soothing voice draws you in and warms you. Gentle instrumentation is supportive of this quality without being bland and the combination of the two creates a surprisingly lush and personal connection. Even the appearance of a ‘well behaved’ banjo, an instrument that has many of us Deliverance conditioned, doesn’t overpower the richness of the songs. Though folk might be the handiest word to describe Hyslop’s style, he’s not hog tied by the label or by the tradition.

The original songs are introspective, questioning and exhibit certain vulnerability.

There is a fine line between wallowing in uncertainty and melancholy and giving voice to deeper thoughts. It’s a line that Hyslopappears to understand and be able to balance on to deliver an honest and believable performance.

Cold Wind by Joshua Hyslop is best listened to on a silent evening. Actually it’s best listened to on a quiet morning. No, it’s just best listened to period.

By Shelley Gummeson
Aug 23, 2011