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Bahamas: Bar Chords

Brushfire

Canadian native Alfie Jurvanen—aka Bahamas—doesn’t disappoint on Bar Chords, the follow-up to 2009’s Pink Strat. Like the songs on Bahamas’ debut, the record is powered by his strong vocal delivery and thoughtful lyrics. Proving that he’s landed on a fitting album, the indie folk rocker sounds a lot like his Brushfire brethren—at times echoing Jack Johnson and Mason Jennings. “Lost in the Light” kicks off the album with pensive, emotive blues, while the following track, “Caught Me Thinking,” hints at pop-infused surf rock. “Okay Alright I’m Alive” is a bouncy and uplifting layered track with a fun guitar solo, “Overjoyed” is a moving ballad and “Any Other Way” is a stripped down joyous occasion. And the time he spent playing guitar/piano with Feist and Jason Collett also shines through on these 12 tracks, which clock in at just under 40 minutes. This singer/songwriter has mastered music for any mood, with just the right amount of soulful blues and mellow happiness.