Michele D’Amour and The Love Dealers - 'Trouble'

Reviewed by Aaron Cloutier & Staff

As I listen back to “Trouble” for the first time, my ears immediately pick up on a slow swaying 6/8 time signature with the Hi hat coming down on the 4 of each measure as the snare gently keeps the time while filling out the rest of the space. These percussive elements are met with clean bluesy guitars playing sparse chords while warm fingered bass lines round out the low end. Playing exclusively in a minor key throughout, the strings merge with the 6/8 sway creating a somber, laid back mood.

The Love Dealers have done their job well and have provided a sturdy foundation for singer songwriter Michele D’Amour to spin stories of heartache and regret. Using image evoking lyrics like “I was once full of light but you turned day into night and I’ve learned a thousand words for rain.” The vocals are jazzy and intimate and like many contemporaries are coming right up the middle front and center to draw the listener in to the story that she weaves. Male backing vocals and what sounds to be horns join in during the chorus as the line “You brought me heartache, damn straight” are sung in unison separated an octave apart.

The sense of dynamics between all players are strong here. The drums are played with brushes with careful attention being paid to volume control. The guitar solo is what begins to set a change in motion as the dynamics pick up during the second half. The snare hits become a bit stronger as the inclusion of the ride cymbal is brought into the mix which remains until the remainder of the song. This subtle change serves to give a bit more energy and is a nice contrast to the single hi hats in the first half. It adds to the atmospheric elements of the music and to me serves the the whole stormy vibe of the tune as rain seems to be an ongoing theme throughout.

All in all, to me, this feels like a track to just sit down, pour a glass of bourbon, throw on the headphones and just let it wash over you. Meant to be taken in slowly and enjoyed in the same fashion.

Stream on Spotify.

For more information on Michele D'Amour and the Love Dealers, please visit Michele's website.

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About Michele D'Amour and the Love Dealers

Michele D'Amour is a born storyteller and award-winning songwriter who penned her first song at the age of six and became a published poet in her early twenties. Her lyrics treat difficult topics with a sense of soulful whimsy and wry humor. Her band, Michele D'Amour and the Love Dealers, has been together for ten years.

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