Altameda are a Canadian country//Americana/folk/alternative duo who consist of songwriter and singer Troy Snaterse, and multi-instrumentalist / collaborator Erik Grice. The Juno nominated act have just released their fourth album Crazy Blue.

The band have spent the last few years touring extensively across North America and Europe, sharing the stage with Sam Roberts Band, The Zombies, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Delta Spirit, Kacy & Clayton, Colin Blunstone, The Sheepdogs, The Feeling, Toploader and are supporting Yukon Blonde on their Autumn tour which began last night in Kelowna and includes stops in Calgary, Ottawa, Hamilton and Cambridge.

The opening title track Crazy Blue sets off the tone of the album rather nicely, making you curious to listen to it in its entirety. The song has a calming energy to it which is heightened by its beautiful instrumental close. The album in fact, keeps a relaxed and sophisticated vibe throughout. The songs stories are interesting in such a way, that it makes you want to listen to the album again and again to truly understand the songs narrative. A lot of the songs are wonderfully riff based on both strong guitar and bass riffs as well as having standout instrumentals from piano, pedal steel guitar and a whole number of instruments that are incredibly impressive.

The songs equally stand out on their own with each one making use of shifting dynamics and unique structures. The tracks move through unexpected sections, blending genres and delivering gorgeous instrumentals, which adds variety and keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. This approach gives the music a fresh quality and makes each track feel unpredictable in an exciting way. Alexander is a fast favourite with its upbeat melody and fast paced riffs that are quite uplifting.

There isn’t a bad or even slightly mediocre track on the album. Crazy Blue is an album full of delightful and engaging tracks that draws the listener in so deeply, each playthrough feels as fresh and captivating as the first time yet also providing a familiar and inviting feel.