Canadian artist Spencer Jo isn't interested in sugarcoating things. In fact, they spent much of their musical life searching for sour truth and throwing the spotlight onto it. They've been in and out of punk bands since the age of 16 and the winding road has lead to Spencer Jo’s current incarnation as a folk artist with a sometimes political, sometimes surreal edge that makes their social commentary poignant for anyone who listens. Their talent as an instrumentalist and lyricist are showcased in a way that keeps the music free of distracted bravado and long solos, ensuring the convictions remain at the centre of attention. The marriage of punk and folk mixes elements of artistry and honesty after all, and Spencer Jo completes this synthesis without disappointing.

(Jason Neubauer, PLAYBACK:stl)