Chandler [LP] (Forest Green Vinyl)

Wyatt C. Louis - Chandler [LP] (Forest Green Vinyl)

Born and raised in parts of Treaty Six Territory in Canada, Wyatt C. Louis is a nehiyaw Plains Cree singer-songwriter, the title of whose debut album references their middle name, Chandler. Recorded in Calgary, Alberta, Louis brings a gentle, melodic voice to the ten songs which represent the culmination of several years' gestation. 'Chandler' puts this portfolio into a finely crafted and well-produced package and seems set to extend Louis' reputation well beyond their homeland. Walking the line between genres like an easy path rather than a tightrope, carried by textural and ethereal songs lifted up by stunning vocals, Wyatt C. Louis' debut album Chandler refers to simply their middle name. Louis (they/he), a Plains Cree singer-songwriter born and raised in parts of Treaty Six, now lives in Moh'kinstsis (Blackfoot name for Calgary) and lets that amalgamation of place shine through on these tracks, some of which came to life in the quiet and contemplative days of deep pandemic lockdown. Chandler is suffused with a soft comfort that glows with feelings of familiarity and ease. Recorded at singer-songwriter and producer Phenix Warren's studio, Alta Sound, with Colin Carbonera on hand as a producer/engineer, and tracks featuring Wild Pink and City and Colour's Matt Kelly, Louis found levity through collaboration. A new experience, the result is upbeat yet cozy, the kind of songs that show off Louis' contradictions of paying homage to the country music ingrained in the geography of their childhood, with an indie and roots spin that makes it something different.