MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: CLAIRE COUPLAND - ON THE OTHER SIDE

A third release for singer-songwriter Coupland, a rising folk favourite in the Toronto scene. This is a five-track EP highlighting her emotionally charged writing, heartbreak with an edge, and a beat too. This One's For The Road is a break-up song with defiance in its tempo, hitting the road with a groove going on. She's also got a knack for spotting the problem and saying it clearly: "You're always asking questions, searching for holes in my words, you don't trust me." Nobody likes that feeling,and kudos to her for putting it so plainly. I find her writing highly effective.

First single Bound For Love showcases her guitar style and gives her an opportunity to let her vocals soar, an optimistic song for those who believe that love will prevail. Love In Your Eyes is filled with tender beauty, a special moment and some poignant pedal steel by guest Fats Kaplin (John Prine, Jack White). It's another fine example of smart writing. We don't get a long lead-up, or the ending, just the important moment where a romance could happen, might not, a song pared down to the emotional drama. Definitely looking for a full album soon.