Eastern Ontario’s husband-and-wife duo CameronStrings compel across their new EP, Eclectica — cohesively weaving rock, folk, R&B, and nuevo flamenco across its six tracks. Tara Cameron’s expressive, shape-shifting vocals and Scott Cameron’s classically trained guitar work combine with enthralling immersion.
Opening the EP, “Don’t Even Know You” stirs with its smitten vocal sentiments — “spending all my time, just thinking about you” — and range of guitar work, spanning from lush strums to frolicking classical finger-picked stylings. “I wanna get to know you, because you’re always on my mind,” Tara Cameron’s vocals culminate, seamlessly venturing from the lightly strumming adorations to the multi-layered vocal charisma “is it so crazy?” questioning. Ensuing track “Drop Dead Gorgeous” achieves a bluesy, no-frills charisma — weaving a title-based refrain amidst rollicking guitar tones and “gonna feast my eyes” cool vocal work; the EP’s opening one-two punch delights in its melodic immediacy and shared themes of infatuation.
Another highlight comes in “Shut It Down,” consuming in its balmy, hypnotic folk sound; the emotive call to “shut it down” evolves into a caressingly warm introspection. EP finale “While The sMuic Still Plays” ends the release with sating impact, moving within a “party’s over” soundscape and sense of contemplation — vividly depicting the lure of a night that’s still young, and beckoning to “dance with me, while the music is playing.” Eclectica entices consistently throughout its six tracks with a stylish blend of sounds — bolstered wonderfully by Tara Cameron’s riveting vocals and Scott Cameron’s classically trained guitar work.
