Press

“Thoughtful, breezy and with the wonder of Cockburn, the Kingston folkestra sings gently about the remedies that get you through the night.”

“The Gertrudes’ staples of vocal harmonies, multiple guitar parts, banjo, accordion, horns are all present, and the prominent addition of strings enriches their already full sound – cello & violin are used to particularly good effect on “Summer Plans”. Built on top of the solid base provided by the group’s pair of percussionists, record’s excellent production allows layering sounds and textures without things every becoming muddy.”

“The Gertrudes deliver another eccentric selection of modern folk music on their second full-length. But the Kingston, ON mega-band have pulled back on the tempos since last year’s frenzied debut, Dawn Time Riot. Although they’re still a wild kitchen party, at times, most of the album is of a quieter bent, more suitable for an afternoon on the couch under a handmade afghan. The album kicks off with the raucous energy of “Derby Girl.” With over-the-top vocals and blasts of trumpet, this ode to a fierce roller-skating vixen is wildly enjoyable. But the band exhaust themselves with the frenetic energy of the opener and ease off for the duration. Although tracks like “Good People” and “Yellow Yard” move at a leisurely pace, the Gertrudes’ full arrangements and tendency to break into sprawling jams give even the quieter songs vibrant energy. This is an album that’s beautifully representative of all of contemporary folk’s finest features.”

By Rachel Sanders

“My favourite folkestra – The Gertrudes”

Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene)

“This album is a self-professed ‘love letter to Kingston’ that features over 100 Kingston guest musicians. It was recorded in Kingston and put out by the respected Kingston-based Apple Crisp label. The lyrics reference local landmarks and features musical contributions from current Kingston hot potatoes like P.S. I Love You. As someone who lived and played in Kingston for many years, I can second the motion on the need for a love letter to the limestone city. It is an amazing place and it takes a band like The Gertrudes to step up and do it justice.”

Ronny Hawkins(Dawn Time Riot) was nominated for a Bucky Award in the “Most Canadian Song” category on CBC Radio 3

Now’s Rating: NNNNN

“Between the mandolins, singalong folk melodies and driving percussion come nods to 70s classic rock, left-field samples and sonic experimentation … Balk at the ambitiousness, cheer at the result.”

“The Gertrudes’ quiet-loud-crazy dynamic shifts create a sense of perpetually powerful, almost gospel style communal storytelling in their songs, but by the end of Dawn Time Riot it’s impossible not to notice that the more intricate moments are those that really stand out from the joyous bombast that may come blasting down any given track. Many of those moments are made possible by inventive and modern deviations from the traditional folk music mold, musical leaps that the Gertrudes have made with confidence and vigour”

Exclaim‘s review of Dawn Time Riot by Whitney Tam (Oct 2010)“A meticulously crafted spectrum of modern folk sounds”

NEW reviews of our upcoming album: Dawn Time Riot, Americana UK, July 2010
“Bands who play down-home folk and bluegrass-infused music often inherently display a lot of skill, dexterity and energy. But, as well as all that, The Gertrudes actually sound like they are having the time of their life in the process, as they cast their stylistic net as wide as possible. Their expertise is in being able to take you along for the ride also.”