Clear Blue River [LP]

Toronto's Hobby have been honing their uniquiely Canadian brand of Americana Since 2017. Clear Blue River is their third full-length, and first for Telephone Explosion. The album further refines their sound, adding to their sonic singularity while continuing to summon fragments of the best country, folk and rock music of the last half century.Combining a steadfast work ethic with a love of live performance, Hobby has been taking their act on the road for years now, placing an emphasis on Canada's under-represented small cities and towns. This move has allowed them to bring their music face-to-face with now-loyal fans in venues sorely lacking in performances that are not cover bands or karaoke nights.Clear Blue River runs the gamut of moods, ranging from gently strummed introspection to absolute barn burning, with plenty of ground tread in between. Lyrically, themes range from heartbreak to aging and the passage of time. Everything is sung in an unmistakable way that sounds like Hobby.