Favourite Mistake
Autumn Hill
Released by Wax
Autumn Hill is a Canadian duo that is challenging the stereotype of solo male artists dominating our nation’s country scene. Their debut album, Favourite Mistake, was released Sept. 10 and is classified as country, though several songs have found favour on pop-centered radio stations as well.
The twosome is comprised of Mike Robins, a Toronto native, and Tareya Green, who was born in Calgary. Their passion for music led them both to be separately signed to the Canadian label, Wax Records. Green and Robins met by chance at a holiday party where they harmonized on a song and the result of that night is in stores now.
The initial number, “Can’t Keep Waiting,” is an empowering song set to a melody that calls to mind the moment in a movie when the protagonist claims their pride and comes into their own. Though the opening chords sound melancholy, the actual lyrics of the song speak to a part inside of each of our souls that yearns to never lower our standards and only accept that which will bring us joy.
“If She Wants This Town,” is highway driving material and Robins’ voice is pure country in this song.
“Anything At All,” was the first song Autumn Hill ever released and the pictures painted by the lyrical imagery are simply beautiful.
“Spaceman,” is a soft yet moving ballad that contemplates the concept of God being a lost soul like the rest of us, causing him to create earth to prevent his fate from happening to humanity. Green’s performance of the chorus is strong, yet gentle and comforting.
“Fire” begins with Green singing in an almost ethereal style that works up to a more passionate and powerful beat that continues throughout the entire track. “Something To Remember You By,” is a sweet dose of bright, young love.
In “Favourite Mistake” Green sounds absolutely broken as she sings the opening lines of the title track. The emotion in Robins’ voice is also evident. This is a heartbreak song, pure, simple and chock full of sentiment. It’s a must-listen on this CD.
The last song is an acoustic version of “Anything At All,” which is quite addictive in itself and is an interesting contrast to the slightly more flashy version featured earlier on the disc.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the album and deem it worth checking out. Autumn Hill’s sound reminds me of bands such as Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry. Autumn has swiftly become my favourite season.
