Baby Blue is a new album from singer/songwriter Quinn Pickering, a 19 year old artist based in New Westminster, British Columbia. My first impression upon hearing this release is that these songs are precociously powerful. The music is simply very technically advanced and mature for someone so young. In terms of style, Baby Blue displays plenty of versatility within its indie framework. There are elements of acoustic folk, with songs like Cecilia channeling the classic Simon and Garfunkel spirit. Other songs have more of that “rainy day coffee house” vibe, exploring the melancholy aspects of romance with righteous sincerity.The best way to describe the sound is that it’s like a cross between John Mayer and Modest Mouse.
Quinn saves the title track Baby Blue for last, and it’s worth the wait. It’s emotionally charged and features a stellar performance. I have to mention too that Pickering is a worthy vocalist. Though the songs are largely guitar driven, it’s the vocals which ultimately carry them and provide the album with its personality. He doesn’t cut any corners either and is not shy about pushing his vocal abilities right to their limit. It’s a shame that the music industry is so saturated with marketing and performers now, making it difficult to stand out. An album like Baby Blue deserves much more exposure and attention than it is likely to receive. Luckily this dude is only 19 and has plenty of time.
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