SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DANTÉ RAVENHEARST – HALF SUN/HALF MOON

DANTÉ RAVENHEARST
HALF SUN/HALF MOON
SUN MILK RECORDS

Toronto-based Danté Ravenhearst (originally from Kawartha Lakes in Ontario) is not only a singer/songwriter, but she is also a conservationist and scientist. Not the usual combination one finds for artists releasing EPs, but she is a multi-talented artist. With help from producer Matt Fasullo, and some friends who happen to be very talented musicians, Ravenhearst has come up with a very impressive debut EP. Half Sun/Half Moon consists of very unique folk-based music. It is not pure folk, nor is it typical singer-songwriter music. This is layered, moody music delivered in a sparse, airy manner.

For example, the first track, “Half Sun/Half Moon” starts with some beautiful acoustic guitar, before the song is launched with Ravenhearst’s emotive voice and Jonathan Horvath’s laid-back drumming and the other part of the rhythm section, bassist Kurt van Bendegem. The arrangement suits the song perfectly and it is a welcoming way in which to start the EP. This leads nicely into the more pop (with a hint of jazz) “Asphalt”. “Where are you? I need you” Ravenhearst sings with another sparse but powerful backing. The song is heartbreaking, and is a highlight of the EP. The harmonies at the end, courtesy of her band, are chilling and make the song very complete. Ben McWebb provides the layered organ sound throughout.

The EP ends with “Once In A Meadow” in which Ravenhearst seems to be channeling Hank Williams with that little yodel in her voice. It is perhaps the most standard swing country/bluesy song on the EP and brings the far too short EP to an end. “Once In A Meadow” allows her band to shine and again, what makes the song is her vocals. There is a ton of emotion in those three minutes.

Danté Ravenhearst’s Half Sun/Half Moon is a strong debut featuring an artist who has a very promising future. These three songs show a great deal of talent and disciplined restraint. One gets the idea that Ravenhearst could just burst out and there is a potential to over or underproduce her. Quite wisely, she lets the music determine the arrangement and as a result the songs are extremely well produced and perfect for what she wants to accomplish. Half Sun/Half Moon is a very impressive debut from a very talented artist.

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