Review: Campbell & Johnston – Paisley Hearts
Campbell & Johnston – Paisley Hearts
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Independent
Release: 2024
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
The symbolism behind the “Paisley” print allegedly relates to life and fertility. Life and fertility certainly relate to Campbell and Johnston and this new work (and Paisley prints decorate the grill cloths of the amps they use).
Chemistry is what is there between the two. It is soul, it is blues, it is rock, it is roots, it is folk. Electrifying! Their first self-titled record received a ’22 ECMA (Canada’s East Coast Music Association) for “Best Blues Album” and a Maple Blues nomination.
Their music is used for popular Canadian tv shows like Hudson & Rex and Sullivan’s Crossing and they have been opening for some big names like Steve Earl, Burton Cummings and Bob Seger.
‘Paisley Hearts’ only contains eight songs, but each song has serious impact and, as a whole, Campbell and Johnston give a good impression (if you bring a song entitled “Hash and Black Coffee” you have my blessing anyway).
Sounds and production are tasteful, although a bit less “thickness” in the mastering would have served my ears. Perhaps they were influenced by Australia-based band Wolfmother who are known for their punchy and ultra-fat recordings. Why do I think this is so? Don’t Get Down On A Good Thing has a riff tastefully copied from Wolfmother’s song Dimension. Nice!
I wonder why C&J put only eight songs on this fine record. It might be the didn’t have time to record due to their busy touring schedule. A shoutout to them: we want more!
Tracks:
01. Find Your Way
02. Righteous
03. Regrets I’ve Had a Few
04. Hash & Black Coffee
05. Nothing’s Forever (Even Goodbye)
06. High Praise
07. Don’t Get Down (On A Good Thing)
08. Heart of Stone