Exploring Mississauga's Arlene & the People's album, Ever Onward Believer
/Mississauga songwriter and musician, Arlene Paculan, along with guitarist/producer Kevin Dvorak, Jan Bilek on drums and Len Dvorak on bass, are Arlene & the People.
Recently they released a new album titled “Ever Onward Believer” and here, you’ll see Arlene’s and Kevin’s commentary, along with mine.
PC: Mississauga Arts Council
1. Self-Portrait
Kevin: The opening track was inspired by the self portrait sketches Arlene did of herself for therapeutic reasons (hence the title). I wanted to incorporate a calm meditative sound along with some uneasiness. The major minor drone notes were added to help flow into the following track Sun In Your Eyes (which has the hypnotic opening riff that revolves around the Cmajor, Cminor, and Csus4.)
The slow build reminds me of removing a record from the cover, placing it on the turntable, slowly lifting and sliding the needle on the edge and patiently waiting for that first note to sound from Sun in your Eyes. Once it comes together, it's worth the anticipation.
PC: Willy Kung
2. Sun in Your Eyes
Arlene: Kevin came up with the guitar riff and it scared me because of how powerful and edgy it was. Naturally, I wanted a challenge and ran with the idea.
The verse pushes hard but unobtrusively while the chorus contrasts that with a softer feel that adds texture and balance to the song.
It's worth listening to the entire song because the drum fill at the end and the decaying notes are a sonically sound way to close the piece.
3. Straight Jacket
Arlene: One session I was playing around with chord progressions and Kevin noticed these three chords that worked well together, which started the task of turning it into the song.
The waves set the tone for a smooth groove and once the riff kicks in, the wave hits the shore with just enough force. The bassline moves nicely without overpowering the vocals and the melody lines flow high and low. A touch of flourishing on the drums adds a splash of colour that completes the rhythm section.
4. Naveed
Arlene & Kevin: We chose to record this based on great advice from Ronnie Brown of the Oakville Centre. The lyrics work well with our album's content.
A 90's Canadian classic presented in an elementary arrangement with the lift coming with the second vocals. Less is truly more here.
PC: Willy Kung
5. Humble Sailor
Arlene: Kevin came up with this beautiful arrangement on acoustic guitar that I immediately wanted to write words and melody for. Then I cut up the ideas and put it all together, like Frankenstein, then came up with the melody you hear today. Kevin was adamant on having orchestral percussion rather than typical rock-based drums for the recording.
In the highest compliment, there's early acoustic John Mayer vibes here and my oh my does it ever sound good. Major seventh chords, when placed properly, add so much to a composition.
The rhythmic vocal lines keep the song in motion and when the percussion kicks in, the marching snare feel elevates the song to something unforgettable and those falsettos to close it off...so, so sweet.
6. Everything Off Balance
Kevin: It was inspired by an acoustic finger-picking riff that I couldn’t stop playing, which ended up being the verse progressions. Arlene was kind enough to let me explore my progressive rock influence in the middle section.
A rock song in 3/4 time isn't easy; most end up with a swing feel that fights with a rock feel. Here, it's executed smoothly and the feel stays intact through both the verse and heavier chorus. Definitely a 90's alternative vibe with hints of Danny Carey from Tool.
The bridge is heavy on the percussive side with, as Kevin stated, prog rock roots stretching deep.
7. Safety Net
Arlene & Kevin: This was the first song we completed on the album. It took a bit of time after a short creative block, which we managed to get over by diving into the process.
The spacing of the vocals in the verse strengthen the lyrics and the light call and answer feel are a delicate yet deliberate prelude to the powerful chorus.
The balance between minimalism in musical parts and maximizing effect through arrangements are struck oh-so well.
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