Voted by readers of the Newfoundland Herald as the band to watch in 2011, Repartee have certainly lived up to the buzz that has been steadily building around them.

Since showcasing at the 2010 Music NL conference in Rocky Harbour, they have been garnering some significant critical notice. Completing their first Atlantic Canadian tour this fall furthered the buzz outside of Newfoundland. Their self-titled full-length debut sent them home with a stunning five MusicNL awards in 2012. This album runs the musical gamut: energetic, upbeat dance tunes and introspective, self-examining ballads.

At the core of all this is front-woman Meg Warren: an accomplished pianist and classically trained vocalist, Meg uses her schooling to create exciting and interesting arrangements accentuated by synth pop, driving guitars and infectious bass and drums.

This album is filled with all the elements that make for great pop music: radio friendly tunes with a thoughtfulness that will keep you hooked.

Michael is a Music Newfoundland and Labrador award winner (The Catch-1999) and a SOCAN Songwriter of the Year nominee for his hauntingly beautiful ballad, “Whale Bones”. “The Left Coast” is Mike’s solo debut. It offers a great mix of original songs and classic tunes including a reggae version of Ron Hynes’ famous anthem, Sonny’s Dream. A light, thoughtful acoustic departure from Mike’s drumming work (The Catch, The Fables), “The Left Coast” is simple and beautiful.

“The Evening Light” is the newest release from local singer/songwriter, Ian Foster. Tracks one through six progress with a smooth, rich and confident flow. Ian has a great sense of musical space and he knows when to play and when not to. The album is filled with lovely instrumentation including an appearance by legendary traditional music icon, Fergus O’Byrne (Banjo on track two) and airy Violin and cello by Janis Campbell and Adam Press respectively. Tracks six through eleven take a slightly more subdued tone while maintaining Ian’s strength for metaphor and colourful imagery. He is one of our province’s finest songwriters.

Finally, Sean has a new record!

We have been waiting patiently since his rock offering “Receiver” and the folk(y), acoustic-laden, “Victrola”. Sean sets the bar pretty high for songwriting at home and abroad. Many local songwriters cite him as an influence on their work. His new record, “Man of the Year” is a marriage of all the elements that make for great songs: instantly catchy chorus, infectious hooks and a self-deprecating humour that makes his songs instantly relatable. Sean has a wit and keen understanding of how to turn the perfect musical and lyrical phrase.

This is thoughtful pop at its best and easily Sean’s finest album.

Winners of the Atlantis Music prize for Newfoundland’s best new release of 2011, All the Wiles represent part of the next generation of folk music in the province. With vocal and songwriting credit split between Katie Baggs (Dead Language) and Jared Klok, “Painted” is wistful, melodic and earthy. Beautiful, naturalistic themes and imagery are heightened by elements of folk, blues and Americana. It is a poignant and stirring debut to be sure.

Although not Amelia’s first record, “War Brides” was the album that introduced her as a force in Canadian songwriting. It perked the ears of major industry professionals and exposed her to thousands of new fans eager to absorb her deeply intelligent, thought-provoking and self-reflecting style of writing. Based on the strength of her songs and the unwavering guidance of our very own Tony Ploughman, Amelia was signed to one of Canada’s most respected and popular record labels, Six Shooter Records. Six Shooter re-released War Brides on a national level and its success was immediate. When you listen to the record it becomes clear quite quickly, why so many people have gravitated to it. For many, it’s her voice and it’s tender, smoky tone. For others, it’s the depth and profoundness of her writing, colourful and inward-reaching, self-deprecating and universal. She is a true poet and despite considering herself a performer and musician second, she summons a beautiful and articulate performance on War Brides. The openness and vulnerability are very becoming and at times it feels, from a listener’s perspective, that you are a voyeur watching Curran as she gives private confession. She is frank and forthcoming with her narratives and there is a courage and confidence implicit in such exposure.

Tracks:

1. Warlike Lads
2. Rights of Man
3. Springfield Road
4. Dance and Sing
5. The Ploughboy
6. Nancy
7. Rabbits in the Basket
8. The Islander
9. The White Cockade
10. Norwegian Wood
11. The Chapel Bell Set
12. The Rhythm of the Goat
13. The Giant