Mike McKenna Jr. - “Grassfire”
Photo by Annie Diotte
From Cape Breton Island, Canada, singer-songwriter Mike McKenna Jr. arrives on the blog with the folksy flavor of “Grassfire.”
After a four-year hiatus, McKenna is back on the scene with a forthcoming album. And though the full record will not be available until autumn, “Grassfire” is a sure-fire way to garner the attention of listeners who might be craving some honest and authentic folk music. The track begins with a full band arrangement, brandishing a sound akin to Neil Young’s finest work, stripped back and guaranteed to sooth the soul.
As the sweet sounds of pedal steel weave their way through the production, the song’s warm, analogue glow cannot be ignored– as though unearthing a time capsule from the late ‘60s. McKenna’s voice arrives in time to stoke the vintage-tinged flames of “Grassfire,” baring a vocal performance that encourages the listener to believe his every word. On the refrain, a harmony falls into place, providing a dynamic width and elevation to the sonic landscape.
The overall vibe is delectably reminiscent of James Taylor and City and Colour, allowing the track to resonate with listeners across various genres. “Grassfire” was co-written by McKenna and Makayla Lynn Parry and produced by Quinn Bachand and with an approximate runtime of three and a half minutes, we feel that it will fit quite nicely in those playlists reserved for your essential bouts of deep introspection.