Toronto trio Elliott Brood has released some of the best darkly tinged yet warmhearted roots music since their first EP – 2002’s Tin Type – right on through to their 2011 Juno-winning LP, Days Into Years. Their latest release, the simply titled Work and Love, marks the first time the band has worked with an outside producer, Toronto’s Ian Blurton (Cowboy Junkies, The Weakerthans). The defining sound that they’ve become known for is still there at its core, but is crafted with more polished arrangements that add musical embellishments like horns, pedal steel and piano, resulting in a more mature yet fresh and creative take. Highlights include: the opening waltz “Little Ones,” the epic “Mission Bells”, the optimistic “Jigsaw Heart”, the mellow “Each Others Kids”, and the leisurely closer “End of the Day.” Work and Love is excellent through and through and is another great release from Elliott Brood. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Cuff The Duke, The Deep Dark Woods, The Sadies, Uncle Tupelo, The Wooden Sky