Recently, Canadian indie-folk artist Thorin Loeks released a new album, In This Place, which probes into the complexities of human connection, including love, loss, inspiration, and the expansiveness of nature.
Thorin explains, “My new album, ‘In This Place’ is about meaningfully connecting with people, communities, and the land, but also with oneself. The world can be challenging, painful, and confusing in so many ways, but I am starting to gain a greater understanding of my own journey through life. The meaning, emotional depth, and gratitude I have imbued in this album while drawing upon different genres of music, hopefully, reflects that.”
Thor grew up working outdoor jobs, always carrying his guitar along. In 2011, after prospecting for gold in the Yukon, he backpacked in South America for five months, where he had a dream about bicycling across America. When he got back to Canada, he did – pedaling alone for 6000 km across the northern U.S. and Canada.
In 2014, Thor canoed 3,800 km down the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The following year, he and a friend paddled the Wind River to the Arctic Circle, followed by riding his bicycle along 800 km of dirt road to Dawson City, Yukon.
In 2016, he released his debut album, Thirsty Hearts, followed by another album, Shine Through The Dark, in 2017. After releasing a few singles over the next few years, he began work on his third album, In This Place.
Speaking to In This Place, Thorin says, “Over the last three years, I’ve put everything into this album. I’ve really tried to pour as much as I could into every song individually to create a cohesive whole. Hopefully, other people will be able to resonate meaningfully with it.”
Encompassing 10-tracks, the album begins with a short, evocative “Intro,” full of gentle colors.
Entry points include the title track, rolling out on a measured, heavy rhythm topped by a glistening guitar and Thorin’s rich, lush voice. There’s something about Thorin’s delivery that recalls Gordon Lightfoot. Perhaps it’s the poetic flow of his voice or the beautiful lyrics, but it’s a wonderful voice.
Opening on soft, trembling hues, “Ice Age” envelops listeners in soothing textures, while Thorin’s deluxe tones imbue the lyrics with compelling surfaces. “With You” simmers with quixotic coloration, allowing Thorin to give sway to his moving voice, making this one of the highlights of the album.
The last track, “All That’s Left,” a low-slung, easy tune, offers Thorin’s dulcet voice accompanied only by his guitar. Passionate and gorgeous, it’s a marvelously affecting song.
In This Place is one of those albums that, when you hear it, you wonder why the artist’s name isn’t on everyone’s lips. It’s simply exquisite.
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