IN REVIEW: The Sadies - "Colder Streams"

 

It's impossible to separate The Sadies' eleventh studio album from the tragedy that surrounds it, even if it's not informed in any way by it; though it was completed last summer, Colder Streams is released mere months after the shocking and untimely death of co-founder/vocalist/guitarist Dallas Good. His loss will be deeply felt by many, especially family and peers in the music community, for a long time to come; that said, the album that contains his presumed final contributions is a hell of a note to go out on, as it were.

Coming five years after previous LP Northern Passages, Colder Streams further refines the psych-tinged, smoky roots rock the group have been perfecting since their inception close to a quarter century ago. Clocking in at a lean 32 minutes, this is a taut and filler-free distillation of what's made The Sadies one of Canada's most endeared rock bands. Assisted by the production of Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry, Colder Streams also features perhaps the best attempt yet at capturing the interplay and energy of The Sadies' formidable live performances on record. 

It's difficult to choose true highlights, as the quality in songwriting, production and musicianship is so consistently high throughout; the sinister, nocturnal grooves that have become hallmarks of the band's sound are present across the track list, offering a listening experience that remains as intriguing and enjoyable at the end as it is from the beginning. That's not to say all of the songs sound the same, but rather they touch upon all of the group's influences and sweet spots in a way that's masterfully executed and all encompassing, showcasing the variety in what they're capable of through seamless transitions and subtle adjustments in tone and mood.

So, whether they're channeling the raggedness of Neil Young on Stop and Start, tickling the imagination with the hazy Message to Belial, wrangling some wild, starlit western tones on More Alone, reaching back for a Byrds-like power pop groove on So Far for So Few, unleashing dark Americana on All the Good, hitting their psychedelic sweet spot on No One's Listening, tapping into harrowing sadness on You Should Be Worried, nodding in not so subtle fashion to their punk influences on Better Yet, churning out plucky gallows country on Cut Up High and Dry, banging out fleet footed garage rock on Ginger Moon or putting a dense, reverb soaked bow on the album on instrumental closer End Credits, each and every facet of The Sadies' sound is present, accounted for, and done right.

Where they go from here is anyone's guess, but they will probably never craft an album of such a quality again; while this is seemingly not the end for The Sadies (they are continuing to tour, as a trio), Colder Streams is a stark and excellent record that undoubtedly punctuates a thoroughly effective and ultimately heartbreaking chapter in their story. 

July 22, 2022 • Dine Alone

Highlights All the Good • No One's Listening • Ginger Moon