It seems there isn't a shortage of Canadian singer songwriters these days and Cam Penner is one of them. He's a writer of simple songs that reflect his social conscience and this album highlights the subjects that are important to him.
Being earnest and socially aware is hardly news these days, of course, and you can't go far in any major town or city without tripping over many with similar good intentions. In his favour, Cam Penner has a voice to convince your ears and the backing is tastefully understated throughout allowing songs like "Thirteen" to breathe easily.
However, there's a feeling of melancholy pervading proceedings here that replaces the expected anger. I suppose there is no point in being a protest singer these days when nobody cares but the point here is that Mr Penner has the words but not the fight behind him. Being unfamiliar with his back catalogue doesn't help me of course but with songs like "Once A Soldier", he sounds just like another Dylan influenced singer songwriter.
This is an honest album and a worthy album but the lack of individuality doesn't help keep these songs in your memory.