Your second favourite band is back!

London Ontario’s Newport Electric formed in 2014 and released their debut album “So it Goes” to excellent reviews the following year.

They took more time crafting their follow up this time around.  Lead singer/guitarist John Couture explains: “Our first album was great, we’re really proud of it.  But the follow up is really much more of a “band” sound.  These are all songs we’ve been playing live for a couple of years now.  When it came time to record, there was no debating about arrangements – it was just a matter of getting a great recording down”.

They recorded the new album “Thin Wild Mercury” at The Sugar Shack in London, Ontario with engineer Simon Larochette.  Sonically, the album is great.  It features 10 original songs, 9 of which were written by Couture and the other by Lead guitarist Steve Sinclair, who also tackles lead vocals on the song “Tail Lights Fade”.  The song somehow straddles a Neil Young/Crazy Horse vibe coupled with a Pink Floyd extended guitar solo and is a standout track on the album.

Their sound is clearly influenced by the 60’s and 70’s artists that they grew up listening to (even the band name is reference to Dylan’s legendary “electric” performance at the Newport Folk Festival in ’65).

The album kicks off with a great straight ahead guitar-riff driven tune that features the strong rhythm section of Dusty MacMillan (Bass, vocals) and Roger Osmond (Drums, vocals, accordion) as well as a 60’s-era organ sound courtesy of keyboardist Adam Plante.

Next, we have a trip throughout the the U.S. as we travel with two delinquents as they cross the country evading capture in “Two Outlaws Ride”. What they did and who they are running from we don’t know, but it’s safe to say we’re on their side.  “Shake Yer Blues” comes next…imagine, if you can, a cross between The Who, The Byrds and The Young Rascals and you’ve got an idea of how this catchy sing-along song sounds.

““Brakeman” is a real crowd favourite”, Couture says.  “We always get a great response from that one”.  It’s understandable why…the huge crescendo with a galloping groove is infectious.

“Safe & Warm” shows the bands somewhat country influences.  Traces of The Band and Blue Rodeo are on full display here.  Guest musicians on violin and pedal steel move the country sound even further and show how the band has pushed the boundaries of their sound since their first album.

The songs continue on in the same vein, with a clear emphasis on interesting lyrics and melodies that sound familiar yet refreshing at the same time.  “The Mighty River” is a call to brotherly love, something Couture says the world needs more of.  Universal lyrics and a timeless melody makes it a clear standout.

The band is excited to announce that the new album will be available on download, CD and vinyl.  The CD version includes a lyric booklet while the vinyl includes a lyric insert.  Copies can be ordered through their website www.newportelectricmusic.com.