Stephanie Mainville - Out of Nowhere
by
4Shore Music
As the title suggests, Out of Nowhere captivates the listener out of nowhere with its incredible unassuming majesty. Stephanie Mainville is in amazing talent and has already amassed a lengthy tally of accolades in her native Canada. Out of Nowhere is Mainville’s second solo album and will undoubtedly continue to earn her more much deserved recognition.
Assisting her in this magnificent creation is longtime friend Kevin Fox who produced, arranged, recorded and mixed the album. He is also the first artist heard on the opening track “Nice To Know” with his light acoustic guitar strumming. Fox and Mainville have delivered a finely polished work where every instrument is cleanly balanced, the instrumentation is divine and Mainville’s vocals sparkle like precious gems in every song.
The first single off Out of Nowhere is “Wait,” with Kevin Adamson on piano. This dramatic love song opens quietly, then builds in the second verse with the addition of the drums. This gentle ebb and flow culminates with a vocal break before the last chorus where Mainville’s vocal mordents expertly lift over the piano and Fox gracefully adds background vocals as the piece decrescendos.
Mainville’s enunciation throughout the album is impeccable. Her mature speak-singing and ability to slightly change vocal tones for each song is well noted. The majority of the songs on Out of Nowhere are her original works; however there are two covers including “Shelter” by 80’s American roots rock band Lone Justice. This group featured Maria McKee on lead vocals with the help of Steven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist). This earthy rock song is an excellent fit for Mainville and adds further dynamics to an all ready interesting album.
The most uninspiring piece on Out of Nowhere is “Out West,” not due to musicality but more so for the banal lyrics. Whether Mainville meant to or not, the lyrical content is a collection of clichés encircled in a country folk waltz. The first verse ends with an ill-fated allusion to the superstitious number thirteen as she muses on being “invited to dine at a table for twelve,” before launching into the underwhelming chorus: “Cuz I’m just a square peg in a round hole / the shoe doesn’t fit anymore…” Thankfully to some extent, Mainville’s cute melodic singing throughout does manage to salvage the tune. One not-so-great song however should not deter anyone from thoroughly enjoying this album. The crystalline quality of Mainville’s voice is reminiscent of Celtic Woman Hayley Westenra finely mixed with the power and energy of Lisbeth Scott.
Although the album cover features Mainville in a garden with her violin, the majority of the string work on Out of Nowhere lies in the shadows and serves to add depth and beauty to the music instead of taking center stage. This mold is broken however in “Hold Me Down” featuring guest violinist Hugh Marsh (heard on the Chronicles of Narnia soundtracks). His sweet, somber string work lays the perfect foundation for Mainville to deliver an exquisite performance where her high notes ringing with the timbre of a cherub’s lullaby.
There truly are not enough kind words to say about Out of Nowhere. Mainville and Fox should be proud of the work they have done. It is an aural work of art, finely crafted and destined to give a warm feeling of serenity to any listener who is blessed enough to partake.
Review by Kelly O’Neil
