Album Review: Sykamore, Pinto

It has been a steady climb for Canadian country singer Sykamore. After gaining the attention of Nashville A-listers like Rhett Akins, the musician released her debut EP Self + Medicine in 2018. And now she's had a hot summer with appearances at Boots And Hearts and Lasso Montreal, and the release of her first album.

Although compiled primarily from songs she's previously released in the last year or two, the album is summery, warm and inviting with gems like "Where To Find Me" and the infectious "Go Easy On Me" (not Adele's). "Just 4 July" is a precise pop-country ditty that builds thanks to a great hook. Just as sweet is "Dancing In The Dark," (not Springsteen's) a gentle Swift-ish nugget with a near-perfect delivery from Sykamore.

Generally, Sykamore has a lovely delivery to the primarily highbrow pop country material, whether lullaby-lite on the dreamy "Cheap Thrills" or showing more prowess on the wistful ballad "Out Of Luck." Probably the highlight is "Record High" where she cites classic songs by AC/DC, Zeppelin and George Strait in an ear-candy singalong chorus. Sykamore isn't crashing and burning with Pinto, more like confidently galloping on a horse of the same name.

Pinto was released August 12, 2022.
Listen to it here.