There’s a nice nudging energy that drives “Under the Cover of Light” along. Just enough percussion to keep propelling the song forward to provide its vitality, tastily, I might add, underpinned by some lovely dexterous flowing electric guitar that together serves to counterpoint a vocal that – at least on this song – sounds slightly world weary and reflective.
I guess like a lot of things in life, it’s all about balance. Yet finding balance between being heavy and buoyant, intimate and anthelmintic, is a difficult dynamic to capture within a 4:29 minute song. Somehow, Ontario singer-songwriter Ken Yates seems to achieve just that on this recent release with engaging and seemingly effortless ease. “I like the tension of it being light on its feet vs the weight of the lyrics—about the quiet heartbreak of trying to help someone who may not be ready to be helped,” explains Yates.
Such a bittersweet sentiment that finds expression in lines like: “I hope you’re sweating the bigger stuff / finding some peace in an honest love / hope you stop when you’ve had enough / throw in the towel / I hope I see you around some time.’’
‘’That tension really set the tone for what the rest of the record would sound like,” Yates adds, referring to his upcoming album “Total Cinema” set for release next Friday, June 6. “I feel like there are songs on this record that I had to live my whole life so far to write,” he continues reflectively. “It took me a decade to figure out the kind of music I wanted to make.”
Per the official press release: “The recording process itself was marked by both collaboration and restraint. Joshua Van Tassel provides the rhythmic backbone, while [producer Daniel] Ledwell layers bass, piano, synths and horns. Guess appearances from Jenn Grant, Breagh Isabel, and Kinley Dowling add warmth and texture.”
Ken Yates continues to ride a wave of growing recognition, having been recently selected as an Official Showcasing Artist at both SXSW and Americanafest 2024. He has also shared stages with acclaimed artists like Madison Cunningham and Kathleen Edwards. “Under the Cover of Light” can only further enhance his reputation, and if the new album delivers on this early promise, then this may be the moment that tips the fortune in his favour.
Photo Credit: Noah Altshuler
Music has been a lifelong passion, a journey that as a child embraced the late 60's counter culture and has lasted until the present day. Despite trying to play guitar for the best part of 45 years, to his own frustration, never much beyond the first four bars of “Stairway to Heaven.” A self-confessed vinyl junkie, his other interests include collecting music memorabilia, old Muhammad Ali fight programs, and watching film. He lives alone in Nottingham (England) and still uses the term “Groovy” - these two facts may be intrinsically connected.
