Singer-songwriter Cam Penner and producer, musician and recording engineer Jon Wood apart from help from Scott Bayley on accordion, melodeon, trombone and harmony vocals they are the sole protaginists on Sex & Politics. Recorded in ten days in Penner’s hand-built recording studio deep in the woods at his remote British Columbia homestead, the album possesses on various occasions a bright bustling sound, and one high on lonesome, like wind rattling through pine trees on a stormy winter’s night. Penner pounds out his statements with unbridled enthusiasm as heard on “Hey You! (Lovers Of Music)” late 1960s rock flavoured “I Believe” and similar toned “Hey You (Lovers Of Music)”.
As for Penner’s worth he may by some be rated more highly as a live performer than on record. Due to the fact on “Come Back To Me” he struggles with pitch, and his pleading tones on “Can’t Afford The Blues” more than anything resemble a chant. Awash in rich mystical values Penner with his husky, creaking vocals fit the bill of darkness, and with Wood and him forever prising musical boundaries hints of 1960s (Canned Heat for one comes to mind on occasions) peppers the record. With some fine bruising electric lead guitar washing over it “Cheating & Robbing” is a noteworthy effort, for with his vocals tottering on the edge the listener feels compelled to see the song through. And if needed reach out and help Penner such his ability to pull the listener into his mind set. As already mentioned I feel his music will posses an even greater impact live, and with a tour in January you have an opportunity to judge the efforts of Penner and Wood, live (on both sides of the Border).
Back to “Can’t Afford The Blues” it though written by Penner and Wood, as all songs are it does contain a nod or two, lyrically. To an oldie, as for instrumentally their vision is of two guys thinking outside the box; and though too different for some there is no denying their innovative thinking. Possessing a pulsating rhythm “Honey” surges like a raging river as it crashes down defiant defences so powerful is the music. There are others too, not least is “Bring Forth The Healing” as an addictive gospel feel takes over to leave the listener caught up in a tribal like association with the music.
Maurice Hope