This album is not so much a back to basics; more like a reaffirmation of the fundamental principles of folk and blues.
Described as a record "of leaving and new beginnings" and dedicated "to our fathers", it was forged over an eight day period in a cabin in the woods in the West Kootenay mountains.
Penner's unique upbringing has already been well covered in W&H reviews of two of his previous four albums. Suffice to say that his background makes him well attuned to music of intensity and integrity.
He sets out his stall with a provocative quote from Woody Guthrie (reproduced as part of the sleeve notes) which affirms the need for freedom songs as an anecdote to the "wasted songs" admired by those "who try to make slaves of us all".
Jon Wood is Penner's comrade in arms, co-producing and contributing electric guitar.
Despite this fighting talk, the first track is a curiously understated instrumental featuring guests on French horn and trumpet eccentrically entitled Mighty Damn Animator [So Long, Farewell]. This is so at odds with the rest of the album that I am at a loss to understand why he should choose to open the album in this manner.
What it does do is to heighten the rawness of the next track. This is the title tune -To Build A Fire - and set to a wood chopping, floorboard stomping beat over which Penner hollers like a hunter gatherer of old.
This Could Be Your Anthem is next up and the best song on the album. This is a more tender tale of nest building containing something of the maverick qualities of Jim White. Rivers Forgotten also follows a similarly melodic line.
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No Consequence returns us to a primal state with some ragged bluesy electric guitar and a belligerent spirit: "may the good lord take you in self defence"
Of the remaining tracks, the pop-rap and neat banjo line of Memphis is the most immediate while the sketchy Gasoline Summers is the most disposable.
Curiosity is another tune that is more pop than folk, illustrating that Penner's influences stretch beyond traditional sounds. The "stand your ground" determination of House of Liars shows his stubborn streak.
It's all wrapped up tenderly, though obtusely with a love song called Whisky Lips.
All good stuff on the whole although I'd say it would make more sense as a short, punchy EP since it feels a bit stretched as a full length album.
Cam Penner is mellowing with age but still sounds best when he's raging.
Cam Penner's website
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