Alex McCulloch is the eponymous album of folk singer-songwriter Alex McCulloch and is all about friendships – old, new, alive, and passed.

By Graeme Smith

The album gives us six tracks of bittersweet folk, each named for a different person. McCulloch’s vocals have an instantly captivating quality. They’re expressive and hold a certain emotional weariness from the first verse of Gregory. A relatable storytelling style runs through the whole record in true folk tradition.

Gord, named for Gord Downie, is an early highlight thanks to its quick-fire verses and lyrics rich with metaphor. It simmers memorably before arriving at a dramatic finish. Dave is a smouldering number with delightfully raucous interludes. Jim is soulful and stripped-back with characterful verses and licks of brass. Its poetic lyrics make it another highlight. Matthew slows things down for a swaying moment before Madeline ends the record in a lingering way with an intimate, bluesy final chapter.

Alex McCulloch was recorded in Toronto, Canada from 2022 to 2025, written, produced, engineered and mixed by McCulloch with engineering and co-production by Davey White. It was mastered by Fedge Mastering. Featuring alongside McCulloch on the record are Matthew Lawrence (keys), Davey White (back up vocals, guitar, drums, bass), Sean McCarthy (horns) and Cristian Ciota (drums).

I think it’s a thoughtful and thought-provoking album that shows us who Alex McCulloch is as a person and a performer. If you’re a fan of modern folk, then you’ll find a lot to love about the album.

Alex McCulloch is out now and you can give it a listen below.