First Light [Vinyl]

New Hampshire born, New Brunswick based, singer-songwriter Jason Anderson has spent the last five years making Canada home, landing first in Toronto before settling in Fredericton. The idea of home—the places we come from, the places we return to—is a powerful theme throughout his epic new record First Light.

First Light is a compelling, cathartic listen, as Anderson’s poetic lyrics and anthemic melodies make for an inspired fit with producer Thomas Wincek. Drawing on his All Tiny Creatues project as well as his work with Justin Vernon’s Volcano Choir, Wincek has created a huge sonic backdrop here. Anderson’s expansive narratives and sing-along hooks weave through explosive rockers like “Caps Ridge Line” and “Still Life”, pastoral mood pieces like “Looking Glass” and “Streetlamps”, and haunting ballads like the pensive "Tower in the Fog” and gorgeous closer “Halloween.” 

The whole thing feels a bit like indie-folk stadium rock, as if The Weakerthans were fronted by fellow Canadian Bryan Adams. As Anderson puts it, “What started as a text exchange between me and Tom about Joni Mitchell in the 80s turned into something strange and awesome.” What’s perhaps most awesome about the project is hearing a bedroom singer-songwriter pushing themselves in such a fun and unexpected way. First Light is a really special record.