Sometimes, an album finds you at the exact moment you need it. Chickahominy Mountain Band’s “New Brunswicana” arrived in my inbox this past fall, but amidst the burnout of a busy summer, I wasn’t ready for it. Now, in the quiet aftermath of the holiday rush, its message of grounding feels essential.
In the dead of winter, “New Brunswicana” is a welcome anomaly. The album evokes the warmer months—the sweat of hard work, the rustic scents of farmland and freshly cut lumber. It champions a return to the land, a necessary antidote to our modern world of concrete and disposable commodities. It’s a reminder of the self-reliance we’ve lost, a skill most of us wouldn’t know how to reclaim if we had to fend for ourselves.
This back-to-basics ethos is the foundation of the band’s sound. With the exception of bass, keyboard, and occasional electric guitar, the album is a showcase of acoustic craftsmanship. Sam Astorino’s gravelly voice tells stories of a well-lived life, while organic layers of mandolin, fiddle, and acoustic guitar (from Astorino and Patrick Gushue) provide energy and depth. The rhythm section of Mike Humble and Ian Sherwood is tight and compelling, driving the songs forward with an effortless groove. Don Flatt’s tasteful work on the keyboard adds a touch of uniqueness throughout the album.
“New Brunswicana” is proof that powerful music doesn’t require walls of effects; the magic comes from the direct interaction between musician and instrument. While I’m not ready to throw my own wall of amplifiers and effects in the fire pit just yet, it’s certainly a good reminder that the quality of the final product is directly proportional to the “nude” layers of sound that are created by the musician themself. The band aces that test throughout the album with the first track, “Ballad of Noe-Toe Joe,” standing out as being my personal favourite.
So, as you face the post-holiday credit card bill, put on “New Brunswicana.” It’s a potent reminder that the best things in life aren’t bought in a big-box store; they are crafted and shared. If the world went sideways tomorrow, I’d head for the band’s home in Charlotte County, New Brunswick. These folks sound like they know how to survive without grocery apps or AI-generated art—they just make their own.
Photo Credit: Artist Social Media
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
