Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

The Goats hosting Gunner and Smith at the Mann Art Gallery

Apr 18, 2014 | 5:57 PM

Gunner and Smith – A sound that easily defied their original “alt-country” tag. Now carrying a fuller and harder-hitting sound, the group began to pay greater attention to pop flourishes in addition to taking on more diverse influences such as psychedelia.
more on their upcoming album.

On, He Once Was a Good Man, Gunner & Smith find themselves with their most realized sound to date despite taking several different directions. It wasn’t until the band hit the studio that things became apparent and cohesive – a concept that was unintentionally synonymous with the band’s own journey into maturity. While working with Boldt, the band kept the sessions spontaneous, using live off the floor takes in order to find their sound.

Despite the increased warmth and beauty of the record's arrangements and tones, Smith is still a master at producing dark and haunting songs that are informed by powerfully bleak lyrics – even his sunniest moments are still shadowed with drama and the lingering baritone of his vocals. While it has been a restless artistic road for Smith, Gunner & Smith have reached something of a creative peak with He Once Was a Good Man. There's no question that the journey has been an interesting one.

The Goats
Four guys from Prince Albert have discovered a sound together that is guaranteed to get you moving and singing along.
The Goats started in July of 2013 after several successful jams where it was immediately obvious that they got along incredibly well and meshed musically in a way that was too good to ignore. Wade Fehr on Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, and Vocals. Joshua L’Henaff on Guitar and Vocals, Abraham Lancaster playing upright Bass and Vocal Harmonies. Ryan Spracklin on Fiddle and Mandolin.

A combination of instruments that would normally be associated with Bluegrass music brings a more modern/contemporary feel to the folk/roots genre. Original material from both Fehr and L’Henaff is steeped in tradition while still giving great riffs and hooks that is very easy to listen to and not forget. The Goats also take some popular favourites of different genres and apply their instrumentation to make them sound like something new.
Quickly gaining momentum the Goats are ready to take Prince Albert and Saskatchewan by storm with great music and a whole lot of fun. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Goats perform, you won’t be disappointed.