Chance Brown is a singer-songwriter with a troubled soul that applies gentle dulcet tones to his debut album ‘This World’s On Fire’, a perfect mix of alt-country, folk blues, and ultra-raw storytelling.
Originally hailing from Vancouver Island with his roots firmly set in Victoria B.C. Chance Brown has risen amongst the alt-country scene to be one of the most prolific artists in Canada. His drawling vocals have harmonic hints of Ray LaMontagne, James Morrison, and Paolo Nutini.
His sound draws on simple vocal runs layered with traditional alt county instruments offering that perfect combination of melodic acoustic guitar, mandolin, and close-knit harmonies. His main two influences are Gord Downie and Justin Townes Earle which clearly stand out in his compositions.
‘This World’s On Fire’ came about with the end of a heartbreaking relationship which Chance penned as one of his influences to write, compose, and record the album.
He says “About a week after it ended, I listened back to the last practice. What I found in that thrashy improv was “Helium”, It was all there, word for word. I knew I had something good. So, from there, I began to write fervently.”
The album was recorded at NBS Studios in Victoria BC with Josh Carlsen at the helm. As well as vocals and guitar, Chance takes up the mandolin, harmonica, Rhodes Piano, and Percussion duties. With Josh laying down some Bass and Chris Banks working the drums. Produced in collaboration with Chance and Josh the album features 10 strong alt-country-infused songs each telling a different story.
Chance explains song themes, “There’s a few breakup songs, there’s songs inspired by a family member’s apparent attempt at suicide, my own close calls in substance-induced-auto-wrecks as well as just plain global pyromania.”
There’s no filter with Chance, he doesn’t pull any punches and lays everything down bare on this album. It’s an ode to life, his life. It’s therapy.
Stand-out tracks include the single ‘Helium’. A melodic gentle passion plea to his failed relationship. It floats along with ease and although it has dark undertones, there is a line of hope that runs right through the song.
Every time I try to argue,
Nothing ever works out right.
Maybe if I learned to listen
I’d be beside you tonight.
In a complete flip of pace, we have ‘Colour’ which shows the versatility of Chance’s songwriting. This alt-country rock beats like a train that’ll have your foot-stomping and hand-tapping with its urgency. Influences of blues rock and long-drawn single electric guitars notes this track. Destructive themed lyrics
Where will you go now that you’re so cold and alone, your fear has overcome you babe it’s soaked you through the bone.
You don’t have to speak, though there’s nothing you could say and there’s no one left to listen to your bullshit anyway.
Oh you gave it all away, now you’ve got nothing left on your dying day
Chance isn’t self-deprecating through this album; he just tells it like it is at the time.
“All of the songs are tragic as my worldview at the time of writing, they spark from friction born of their inherent calamity and together they form a distinct image. ‘This World’s On Fire’. So, let’s sit back enjoy some sweet music and watch it burn.”
Chance Brown’s new album ‘This World’s on Fire’ is available now.
1. Track Listing
2. Burn (explicit)
3. Colour (explicit)
4. Helium
5. Sweet Time
6. Ice Cold (explicit)
7. Evil
8. Dawson
9. Medication Blues
10. Divine
11. The Next Time
