Record Review: Harlan Pepper – Young and Old

photo: Jon Evans

Harlan Pepper hit the in box some time ago with a copy of their debut LP, Young and Old. Despite the link there, this record only seems to be available in Hamilton, Ontario or at one of their live shows – hopefully, somebody will pick these guys up for distribution because you want to hear this record.

This young Canadian foursome play a style of folk-inspired rock that reminds me of the first records from both Band of Horses and Ha Ha Tonka – two records that are always close to the top of the rotation around here. The lyrics of “Great Lakes” are casually clever and “Reefer” is just an entertaining take on the Great Recession. Don’t take them for just another band of folkies though, these boys have one foot in the river of classic rock and they move seamlessly between the two. The big fuzzy guitars of “Yeah” seem an obvious nod to Crazy Horse, and “Burnout” resembles nothing I would call folk. There is something for fans of the Avett Brothers and the Allman Brothers. From top to bottom, this is a solid record worth several spins. Easily worth the time it may take to track it down.

Harlan Pepper – Great Lakes
Harlan Pepper – Yeah