Oct 8

Oct 8 Inkwells and Staves

Jean-Roch Roy and I have worked together in the video games industry since 2004 and while we don't discuss life on an everyday basis, we've had several conversations in the past about personal hobbies and such. That said, I wasn't aware until very recently that one of JR's biggest passions is music, and I can tell you I was missing out.

I've heard he played instruments from time to time with the other talented coworkers at house parties but never considered he had an EP in the making. A brief encounter in the cafeteria revealed the album was out last year and a swift trip to the iTunes store later, I was listening to the first track, Healer, on my way home.

Inkwells and Staves is an indie pop rock EP of 5 tracks that isn't scared of experimenting with instrumental harmony and thoughtful lyrics. Every Lie is True, my favorite song on the album, starts with a soft guitar riff that progressively develops into a more rhythmic tune accompanied by a story which reflects life's deceits that we decide to accept to get us through, as noted by the line "Even the sky is blue". The last verse is even stronger, suggesting it's in our own responsibility to decide what is true, hence giving us the power to create our own happiness.

Some tracks are mellow while some sound happier, but together they make a whole that is worth an attentive listen. It's difficult not to be attracted by the upbeat melody of Healer or Jean-Roch's gentle voice throughout the album. It should be noted he has composed the music and wrote the lyrics on his own. Consider tracks contain rhythm, bass guitars, piano, drums and even the trombone; Now that's talent!

This could quite possibly be his only album released commercially but one could hope more will made available from his brilliant musical mind.

I'm more of a metal head but I play his work once in a while when I need to relax or cheer up on a gloomy day. I strongly suggest you give it Inkwells and Staves a try, and support the artist if you like his work.