Canadian singer songwriter Joshua Hyslop has appeared once before on this blog, way back in 2020 through the release of his single Heard A Voice.

By Graeme Smith

Now I’m pleased to welcome him back with a new full-length album. His sixth album, Evergold sees Joshua branching out with his sound and, like Dylan, ‘going electric’. What isn’t lost in the transition is his penchant for the nostalgic, and classic instruments accompany electric guitar in a new and exciting way.

Joshua’s form of nostalgia is a peculiar one – a longing for something that has yet to exist, and that’s where the album’s title comes from, combining the ‘golden’ lyrical themes of the album with the concept of ‘evergreen’ to describe something that’s old yet perpetually new.

With a backstory like that, you’d expect a lot of poetry from Joshua’s lyrics and you’d be right to. On the album, Joshua astutely brings to life autobiographical experiences such as having his first child in coronavirus lockdown, the unvarnished truth about long-term relationships and the spectre of depression and anxiety.

Things open with some lonesome, contemplative notes as the scene is set by Rise. Joshua’s expressive vocals come in and I found myself instantly hanging on every word. From there we get nine more tracks that range from the intimate and acoustic (Overcome, The Way You Can, When We Come Back Down) to the cantering and folky (Down the Line, Hills). Pieces provides a cinematic mid-album highlight while Supposed to Say closes things strongly with a slow-burning number that leaves it all out there.

Joshua has simply nailed it with his latest album. It’s the perfect combination of introspective and honest lyrics and some warm and engaging instrumentals. It’s great to see him push his sound while staying true to his singer songwriter roots. If you’re a fan of acoustic folk, Evergold is for you.

Evergold was produced by John Rama in Vancouver’s Afterlife Studios. It’s out now via Nettwerk Music Group and you can check it out below.