Canadian blues icon Grant Lyle releases something “Nu”

Nu is the latest full length release from iconic Canadian blues musician Grant Lyle, heavily respected in his native country after 20 years in the industry in which he has released no less than seven albums. Lyle is held at such high esteem as a guitarist, singer and songwriter due to being an ever-present on the vibrant Canadian music scene. Does Nu further that reputation?

Opening track So Glad You’re Here is a delightfully light introduction to an album. The guitar played and the chords used are so relaxing that you would be forgiven for thinking you were on a remote island if you closed your eyes. Strangely, it has a neo-soul flavour to it that sounds like it could have been an instrumental cut off of Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange - the guitar licks for sure sound like Ocean’s very own melodic vocal delivery.

Love Rain Down is a Gospel inspired moment to enjoy. Soaked in blues and Hendrix-like guitar lines, it comes off well and even has a Queens of the Stone Age or Eagles of Death Metal edge about it - there’s a modern kick to the composition. On The Wire is a fantastically well written song that fans of Rod Stewart or Tom Petty will appreciate, and it should be noted that Lyle has a very authentic voice of his own.

Nu is quintessentially a blues record but Lyle does make effort to spice things up a bit to give the allure of diversity. Rally Cry is so strong lyrically and powerful in its demeanour, it’s a track that isn’t messing about in intention and the guitar solo is tough but isn’t over the top. The only problem is the length of the track, you end up wishing it would have doubled in length and went for epic at the end.

In all, Nu is a steady blues record from a top rate musician in Grant Lyle. The album is available and on iTunes here. Listen to Rally Cry below: