By Sagar Jha, Arts Contributor
We all have opinions on a lot of important issues and sometimes we just need a soapbox to stand on so they can be heard. Scott Dunbar’s soapbox is his music.
Dunbar’s newest album is full of his charismatic and unique music. Dunbar creates clever instrumentals in his one-man band, using either his guitar or accordion in his hands and percussion at his feet. However, the greatest strength of this album is the lyricism. Dunbar, a Vancouver native, delivers powerful, radical and important messages on issues including political ideologies, sustainability, and industrialization. His outspoken nature on this album creates songs that will leave you full of questions about the world. If you care about current global issues then you should listen to this album. A word of caution: only listen to the album if you are ready for a strong dose of reality.
The style of Dunbar’s voice is powerful and full of so much passion. He sings with an in-your-face blues style. If Propaghandi made music with Dan Mangan, it would sound something like this hard hitting, fast-paced record.
Dunbar started out as a street-busker and gained popularity on YouTube with his Michael Jackson covers. The album has 24 tracks in total, all of which were recorded in a single week. The album is released in a modest case with clever album art. The two-disc set come in a pocket fashioned out of re-used cloth material. It is sustainable, original, and just plain cool. Dunbar continues to practice sustainability with his unique style of percussion: he uses rusty chains, old pots and his suitcase kick drum.
Dunbar also provides the chords and lyrics to his songs in the included booklet, which encourages listeners to pass the message along by learning to play some of their favourite tracks. Releasing this album completely independently with no record label or deal, his aim is to have his message heard. It is refreshing to listen to an artist who has a clear motive with their work. This album will make you think.
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