Scarborough-born, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Alex McCulloch has a folk rock sound filled with emotion, heart, and refreshing honesty. Her brand new self-titled EP was just released last week, featuring six songs about the people and relationships that have impacted her, directly and otherwise.
“This is an eponymous album about friendship–old, new, alive, dead. I will never forget my friends,” says Alex about the EP. “And also about one girl that got away, thank goodness for that. It’s about Gord Downie and Bruce Springsteen and people who you’ve never heard of that were way better than me. It’s about my parents and my mom and my teachers. It’s about bartenders and barflies and baristas and one United Church Minister named Daniel. But like I said, it’s mostly entirely about my friends, who I will love forever, and who I will see again in paradise. That will be one sweet day.“
The EP opens with “Empty House,” bringing listeners to a party scene with lyrics that feel simultaneously like a break up, and a woman setting out to carve her own path. What starts almost melancholy later finds the power behind her words and the vocals to match. Captivating and catchy, “Drum Circle” is another standout on this EP. Its unique style makes it hard to label, which is perhaps the best compliment you can give to an artist with the creativity that Alex McCulloch has. The sax in this song is perfect alongside the quick and clever vocal style. “Lidstoner” is a note to Gord Downie, a must-listen to the Hip fans reading this, and “Gregory” is a sweet and lovely mid-point to the album that is sure to get listeners swaying along.
“Angel” is a huge song; intense and emotional, with a beautiful rawness that seems to be a big part of Alex McCulloch’s sound. The EP ends with “Silver Spoon,” an indie folk song with an almost country-like twang to it. It’s a mellow and intimate offering, and the perfect way to end this collection of heartfelt, personal songs.
Overall, with its style, ferocity, depth, and cleverness, Alex McCulloch’s self-titled EP gave me Fiona Apple vibes in the best way possible, with a brief touch of Lana Del Ray in a folkier package. There’s a wonderful honesty in every song, making listeners feel like they are on a ride through the songwriter’s life experiences alongside her. And trust me, it is a trip well worth taking.
Stream Alex McCulloch’s self-titled EP on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Soundcloud / Apple Music
Follow Alex McCulloch on Instagram, & TikTok
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