SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE EAST POINTERS – SCHOONERTOWN

THE EAST POINTERS
SCHOONERTOWN
NETTWERK

The East Pointers emerged from the East Coast modern folk music scene in 2015 with their debut album, Secret Victory, which went on to win the Juno for Traditional Roots Album of the Year. Schoonertown is their fifth album, and their first since 2023’s EP Safe in Sound. Schoonertown is their first complete album as a duo, Tim Chaisson (vocals, fiddle) and Jake Charron (guitar, synthesizer), as original member Koady Chaisson passed away in 2022. The band continues to grow and experiment with the genre of modern folk music. And although the album is not a direct tribute to Koady Chaisson, his presence is still felt throughout. While Schoonertown features many of the trademark sounds of The East Pointers, they are not afraid to spread their wings and incorporate a more pop/rock sound into their music.

This album is clearly rooted in East Coast folklore. The band’s name comes from the most eastern point in Prince Edward Island; the province The East Pointers call home (they were born there). However, from the first track. “Anniversary,” they are clearly incorporating a more rock edge to their music, with some pop music mixed in for good measure. This makes for a terrific opening song and also sets the stage for the album.

There are more traditional songs, such as the instrumental “Townies,” (which features brilliant fiddle playing from Chaisson), “Misty Morning,” and the intriguing “Rafters,” which features some surprising twists and turns. And while these tracks are impressive and sound fantastic, the band sounds equally comfortable with a more pop-rock sound. “Undercover,” for example, has a pop music flavour combined with the traditional, and the end result is a remarkable song.

Lyrically, the album is a tribute to their home, which includes songs about seeing the world, and returning home. But also, some songs are clearly about loss, including the very moving “Sea Spirit,” that although it is instrumental, is deeply moving. Elsewhere, songs like “Tear In The Tide” combine the longing to be home and loss. This does not mean the album is a dirge, far from it. A song, such as “Landing Day” is celebratory in returning home.

Schoonertown is a brilliant and multi-layered album. There is a lot going on with this album, and The East Pointers have managed to create this music blend in such a way that everything just comes together. It is an album that can be enjoyed on many levels, and one is rewarded the more it spins on your turntable. The East Pointers produce very accessible music that brings the listener in, embraces, and surrounds them, and leaves them feeling very rewarded. And isn’t that one of the reasons why music is so important?

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