The opening track, “Under City Lights,” of Toronto singer-songwriter Steve Puchalski’s Deromantic falls into the seldom-heard Orchestral Country category. With the country hurtin’ lyrics of Puchalski coupled with band mate Jesse Laine’s string and horn arrangement the tune builds to a sweeping crescendo setting a strong mood for the rest of the album.
The album then ebbs and flows from fully orchestrated tracks, like “Under City Lights”, to rocking barnburners, like “Drunk & 35”, and stripped back folkies, like “Coward’s Serenade”. Puchalski’s song writing on this album has the feel of Darkness on the Edge of Town era Bruce Springsteen especially on “Coward’s Serenade”. There is the darkness of disappointment rooted in each song but it is balanced by their unique arrangements.
The chemistry between Puchalski and Laine both inside the studio and behind the mixing board, as they are the co-producers, is a strong foundation for the evolving sounds and musicians that grace each tune. Guest appearances include Richard Underhill, of the Shuffle Demons, contribution of alto sax and Familiar Music label-mates Megan Hamilton and Shelby Lamb assistance with coral arrangements. The result is a roller coaster ride of roots music that takes the listener to the brink of heartbreak with a head full of sound.

By Rob Pingle
Dec 21, 2007