Rosalie Wind reviews the debut self-titled album, Yukon Blonde (2010).

Released February 9th from Nevado Records, the debut self-titled album Yukon Blonde (2010) became another addition to today’s mellow and refreshing folk rock. A throwback to easy-going 70s rock (Fleetwood Mac, America), the Vancouver-based trio consists of Brandon Scott (guitar and vocals), Jeffrey Innes (guitar and vocals), and Graham Jones (drums and vocals). Produced by Shawn Cole (You Say Party! We Say Die!), Yukon Blonde will not blow you away or absolutely mesmerize you, but after a few listens you will enjoy the album’s overall summery and clean-cut nostalgia.

Yukon Blonde opens with “Rather Be With You,” a breezy track with a mild and pleasant melody. The following “Blood Cops” and “Kumiko Song” skip by light-heartedly, pay them no mind.

The more passionate, memorable “Wind Blows” exudes just too much sunshine and happiness. An achingly summery, sweeping chorus tries too hard: “Wind blows, can you hear the wind blow?/ Listen to the raindrops, outside of my window.”

Tasteful and inoffensive, “Trivial Fires” has a light and radiating guitar solo leaving a dainty thumbprint in your subconscious. “Brides Song”features even better experimental guitar, along with warm, earthy vocals, but with a bitter sass: “You oughta know that you were so cold/ Into the dark we will go.”

Though wonderfully gentle, the rest of the album sounds the same: a beachy and benign “Babies Don’t like Blue Anymore,” “1000 Years,” another track with impressive guitar, and a hardly memorable “Ghosts on Film.” As a closer, the laid-back “Loyal Man” leaves a smile on your face.
Clear and approachable, Yukon Blonde should be listened to as a mood enhancer. The only arising problem: Each ridiculously mild-mannered track makes the album underwhelming and just-too-nice. It really will brighten your day to listen to it, but do not expect it to rock your world.