Oliver James Brooks is a Toronto, Canada-based singer songwriter who has just come to my attention thanks to the release of his fourth studio album. A raw, organic alternative folk collection that explores the concept of contrast, it’s called In A Little Long While.
By Graeme Smith
Growing up in small-town Ontario, James found his sound by drawing inspiration from the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Elliot Smith and Joy Division. His work has already caught the ear of industry luminaries and has been praised by the likes of Americana UK and has featured on CBC Radio.
The album opens with its title track. The uniqueness of Oliver’s sound is immediately on show, with characterful vocals paired with an atmospheric Americana arrangement. We are treated to a story of uncertainty and escape, told with masterfully understated emotion. It’s a captivating start.
Yeah, That’s My Plan keeps things delicate and introspective while upping the tempo to a cantering pace. Expressive keys nicely contrast the rumbling bass and percussion. Carried Along livens things up even further with a funky guitar riff and a tremendous sense of defiant forward motion. It’s an early highlight.
The Deeper You Go gives us an intriguing mix of brooding low notes and twinkling highs. Its vocals are a heady mix of imagery and cynicism. On The Fence gives us some expert use of rise and fall. The Lonely Man I See brings with it some finger-picking intricacy and a sense of vulnerability. How It’s Goin gives us an upbeat arrangement with some fiery lyrics. It’s another highlight.
Over Under On The Other is seething, dramatic, and experimental with a relentless rhythm and poetic lyrics. Technologically Stoned takes things right back to the ’70s with a cautionary tale about allowing technology to drug us. Right Place, Wrong Time then closes the album with a jangly and vibrant farewell. It perfectly sums up the philosophy of the album and is a final highlight.
In A Long Little While was recorded on vintage ’70s equipment at River Valley Studio, and produced by Oliver. Featuring on the album are Annie Rowlinson on bass, Jack Emblem on drums, and Nick Johnston on keys. It was mastered by Joao Carvalho. You can give it a listen below.
