· reviews
Andrea Menard
Review by: Eric Thom
Record Label: Independent
Website: www.andreamenard.com
Star Rating: 5
LIFT
Purity. There’s no better way to describe Andrea Menard’s approach to her fourth release.
A multi-talented Métis performer who’s at home on stage, in front of a camera or delving into a hundred and one creative outlets at once, she’s billed as a “true indigenous renaissance woman”. Well-versed in the depth, the humour and the wisdom of her ancestors, this talented Canadian carries the responsibility of spreading this knowledge in everything she does. You can hear it here on Lift – an otherworldly sensibility that knocks her out of this time zone and into the past, intent on her stated mission of changing the world – spreading more love and joy to the peoples of the planet by leading them back to their hearts.
As you listen to “Shambhala”, you’re taken – immediately – by the clarity of Menard’s voice. Featuring slick arrangements ripe with generous instrumentation, you’re also taken aback at it’s dated sound. Yet, at the same time, this time trip is as rejuvenating and enjoyable as is each song’s uplifting message. Menard takes her optimism very seriously and – like a collision between Anita Bryant and Doris Day – who can argue with its saintly intent? Menard’s joyous take on the world – on the backs of what might otherwise be labeled ‘sugary pop’ – proves infectious and each song runs on strong compositional legs and outstanding musicianship. Whether pushing “Faith & Patience” or finding “A Beautiful Balance” between equal parts past, present and future towards making the right choices, Menard is all about channeling hope at a time when many of us may need it most. At the same time, her lessons are served up with their own beautiful balance of positivity to enticing, hook-laden music well performed. This is not the Osmonds, nor is it a twist on New Age or religious cultism –¬ but a new breed of performer intent on assuming an instrumental role in replacing negativity with a joyous sound.
Her music hits its highest point when the Saskatchewan-born singer assumes the Cree language for the stirring “Four Directions Prayer” – a shimmering, powerful litany of welcome and honour, guaranteed to send a shiver down your back. From the upbeat, uke-driven “I Love My Life” to the stunningly beautiful love song, “Hands Full”, the quality of the writing is indisputable. The title track, alone, is made-to-measure to rocket some worthy country artist far up any Billboard ladder. Likewise, “Spiral of Desire” is an epic song that could prove a mammoth country hit – effortlessly – in the right hands. From the promise of “Noon Day Sun”, with its rich, catchy chorus to the old-school, Soul Train locomotion of “Answer the Call”, Menard has many arrows in her creative quiver. “A Beautiful Balance”, with its Disney-like duet (Robert Walsh), could’ve been an outtake from the Frozen soundtrack. But steady yourself for string sections, sitars, congas, Tum-tum-tee-tum-tum choruses and all manner of dated-sounding accoutréments that, surprisingly, seem to work wonderfully.
Menard’s voice is more than worthy to the task – a strong instrument in itself, wide-ranging and not lacking in raw power. At times, it’s often reminiscent of the late Nicolette Larson. Edgy, it’s not. But neither is the storyline. Pure goodness, for goodness’ sake and an enormous undertaking – for all the right reasons.
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