Josh Kolm
ARTS EDITOR

Typically known for his eccentricities, Prince Edward Island’s Al Tuck reins himself and his band in on his seventh studio album, resulting in beautiful, purposeful music that allows the songwriter to fully showcase his lyrical prowess.

Under Your Shadow finds Tuck at his least gruff, as he sings softly with only a tiny hint of raspiness. There is a fair bit of twang in the music, but it willingly falls into the background, rightfully thrusting Tuck into the forefront.

Tuck is rarely backed by more than two or three band members, creating thin, flowing melodies. There are some—comparatively—faster songs, such as “No Need to Wonder” and “Ducktown,” but even those songs take their time, and the rest are still punctuated with a cheerfulness in Tuck’s voice.

Some of Tuck’s quirks find their place in the album, like the yawning delivery of lines in “Yawnsville” or the inclusion of audience laughter on the live track “Hello, Prince Edward Island.” But instead of being weird or displacing, the songs come off more like unexpected creative flourishes.

More popular artists have long regarded Tuck as a legend among Canadian songwriters, and Under Your Shadow shows the unfamiliar why that is. The sparse, soft instruments force the listener to regard Tuck’s voice and brilliant lyrics first and foremost, which has long been the songwriter’s strongest quality.