From the northern outpost of Edmonton Alberta emerges another singer-songwriter getting down to the crux of things in the empty barrel of a stripped down sound. The acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica from Jake Ian may roll around the walls of disused landscape but they prove the launching pad for ten songs as raw and real as you are likely to come across. Not that this Canadian is a novice as EVERYTHING HAS HOLES is his eighth album release and he his noted as a stalwart of Western Canada's folk and country scene.
From the contrasting cover of a rather run down location standing stoically in the foreground of the most brilliant blue sky outpours ten songs that pay homage in some places to Townes Van Zandt and for a more contemporary comparison sound like a refined version of Rod Picott. The songs have a therapeutic appeal and are just the tonic when you want to chill out after a stressful day to some simple tunes. Of course like all singer-songwriters, the listener is invited to be active in the process of absorbing the poetic content of the lyrics, an attribute that shines right through the short period just shy of thirty minutes required to enjoy this album.
EVERYTHING HAS HOLES may be low key and minimalist, but there is no shortage of craft housed within the songs. When an artist elects to go down this route, there is no hiding place. Jake Ian is perfectly at ease in this mode and certainly knows the ropes to max out the effect from exploiting his talent. This album is not an extrovert piece of art over pitching itself on a commercial plane. However it is a magnetic field for ears seeking an idealistic solace in the heartfelt sanctuary of a beautifully constructed simple song.