Album Review: Cam Penner - Gypsy Summer (Self Release)

The fourth album release from Manitoba's Cam Penner features ten self-penned and personal songs, each featuring Penner's trademark gruff vocals and brooding guitar. At times reminiscent of Neil Young's Harvest Moon period, especially on the instantly engaging opener Driftwood, Penner offers a bolder sound in places from previous albums, yet maintains something of the rootsy style we're all familiar with. If Cool Cool Nights eases the listener in with its relaxed atmosphere, the contrasting tension created by the string arrangement on Hour of Need keeps us on the edge of our seats. My Lover & I offers another side to Cam Penner, as does Throw Your Hands Up, each utilising a much heavier drum sound.  

Self-produced and playing most of the instruments himself, Penner is joined by John Wood on guitar and piano, Tim Leacock on bass, baritone guitar and pedal steel and Jon May on drums with additional contributions from Laura Read on violin and Marcin Swoboda on viola.