Trent SevernSelf-released ***

Trent Severn is a waterway in southern Ontario. It is also the name adopted by a trio of Canadian women who say their Canadiana music is “fuelled by the folklore of Ontario” and whose lyrics “pay tribute to Canadian legends”. The concept of “Canadiana” hints at the broader issue of Canadian identity though it shares the same influences as “Americana”.

This trio includes multi-instrumentalist Emm Gryner, who a few years back recorded an album of contemporary Irish songs. Along with violinist Laura Bates and fellow singer-songwriter Dayna Manning, Gryner has pulled together an engaging collection of folk-ish songs driven by a DIY ethic. Harmonies are very special, not least on the opening Snowy Soul, Freedom and Truscott, and the influence of CSN is apparent. Tunes such as Wild One and Answers sound clunky, but this is a promising collection. trentsevern.ca

Download tracks:Snowy Soul, Freedom