Ottawa-based, but very much internationally focused, recording artist Lynne Hanson bounces back into new release territory with the unveiling of her ninth and latest album. ICE CREAM IN NOVEMBER has had a lengthy lead in process with the final few weeks of waiting occurring while its architect was concluding a long awaited return to touring the UK. Of course copies were available for in-person punters to buy at shows, but now the rest of the world can cherish the latest move for a performer showing clear signs of positive evolution.
Hanson has worked closely in tandem with Blair Michael Hogan on the new record, and it is this new streamlined duo format that has greeted fans at shows that are now set to roll out in continental Europe. Anybody who has followed her career closely over the last decade would have detected subtle changes in style. This switch has been compounded in the contents of the new record with a more explorative contemporary sound edging things slightly away from straight up folk roots rocking Americana. Yet you never lose sight of Hanson's raw talent underpinning things.
This dozen strong collection of co-writes pulls up just shy of the fifty-minute mark and leaves much to chew over especially in the first half. It is the opening handful of songs that tend to define the album, although like all stings in the tale the finale springs a couple of pleasing surprises.
Three of the opening four tracks have been the chosen ones for pre-release promotion. Lead off number 'Shadowland' has fast become a live favourite with its call and response chorus and its spaghetti western / surf style gives proceedings a sizzling if rather unexpected start. 'Hip Like Cohen' is a curious track that requires tuning in and was placed here in the 'grower' category. 'Hundred Mile Wind' needed little impetus to become one of the standout songs. Probably due to the most Americana sounding track on the album. Perhaps even harking back to the sound framed on 2015's 7 DEADLY SINS.
The other three tracks in the first half all take the music of Lynne Hanson in different directions. The retro feeling title track 'Ice Cream in November' invokes an ethereal description. 'Orion's Belt' is star gazing in more than just the title and 'Birds Without a Feather' is strikingly innovative.
The listener is suitably immersed in Lynne Hanson evolution by the time the second half kicks in. Things settle down a little and it is not being derogatory to state that the next run of tracks don't quite hit the heights of the impactful predecessors. Then the sting in the tale. Hanson teams up with long term collaborator MJ Dandeneau to write a French language song titled 'Le Bon Moment' that is sung so beautifully. This is then followed by the album's hidden gem. 'This Heart of Mine' possesses the most infectious of choruses and its theatrical undertones makes it a candidate for some serious playlist consideration.
Some may pinpoint a significant shift upwards in the music of Lynne Hanson post her collaborative 'Lynnes' project with fellow Canadian Lynn Miles. That was in 2018. Since then JUST FOR WORDS took the mantle forward, now ICE CREAM IN NOVEMBER has made a monumental leap. The winners are folks, old and new, hooking up with the music of Lynne Hanson.
Check out this live review of Lynne Hanson's first show of the UK tour where any lingering jet lag was jettisoned for a super Bewdley evening.
