Terra Lightfoot - Every Time My Mind Runs Wild (Album Review)
Hamilton, Ontario singer and guitarist Terra Lightfoot is clearly intent on making a statement with the release of ‘Every Time My Mind Runs Wild’ the subdued vibe of her debut album, released back in 2011, is but a distant memory. For her sophomore release a new band has been enlisted and producers Gus Van Go & Werner F, best known for their work with The Stills, are behind the desk. The result is a strident rock record that manages to successfully perform the delicate balancing act of maintaining Terra Lightfoot’s roots, soul and blues influences while adding a catchy pop sensibility.
With opening track ‘All Alone’ Lightfoot hits her stride with a bluesy swagger that showcases her, refreshingly naturalistic, multi-octave vocal range over the rock solid backbeat supplied by Matthew Fleming (bass) and drummer Joel Haynes. Next up ‘No Hurry’ opens with a strident riff that owes a massive debt to fellow Canadian Neil Young. Lightfoot handles all the guitars on the record with aplomb initially taking a big riff / power chord approach which she expands on during the course of the record. The early parts of the album are less Lightfoot, more hard rockin’ stomp.
The first single / video released to promote the album ‘Never Will’ is super infectious and features quite terrific backing vocals that would grace a Phil Spector production. The backing vocals are a standout feature on many of the tracks presented here. This up-tempo approach is also evident in the driving guitar riff and throbbing bass of ‘Lily’s Fair’ which is still able to sustain a traditional feel with a noticeable Celtic influence.
‘Home To You’ has a 60’s soulful feel that wouldn’t be out of place performed by Dusty Springfield back in the day. ‘The Truth’ has an urgency propelled by some very nifty finger picked guitar work and an always welcome numerical hook. It is this troubadour side of Lightfoot that is also evident on the lovely ‘Nfb’ (which I believe, for readers outside of Canada stands for National Film Board). The album closes with the gentle piano ballad ‘Splinter’ which showcases the work of keyboardist ‘Liam O’Neil’ (The Stills) whose skills anchor the song.
Terra Lightfoot has returned to recording with a really enjoyable album that mixes her soul and roots influences with a dash of 70’s rock (the likes of Them and Creedence Clearwater Revival are mentioned in her bio). Personally I’d like to think a little of Canadian rock legend Randy Bachman might have influenced those driving guitar parts alongside John Fogerty and Van Morrison. The amalgamation of all these many and varied influences are the foundations on which a very cohesive album, that rewards repeated plays, has been built. There are absolutely no weak links on this record which is a tribute to Terra Lightfoot, her band and production team.
