Vancouver’s Jordan Klassen sounds like a combination of a young Sufjan Stevens and Justin Vernon – but the 28 year-old is crafting folk-rock ballads all his own. Repentance is Klassen’s first full-length record on Toronto indie label Nevado Records – preceded by three independent releases – and features production by Jonathan Anderson (Aidan Knight, Sheree Platt). Diverse and sweeping instrumentation courtesy of ukeleles, harmonious guitar and piano, coupled with Klassen’s delicate yet stirring voice, makes Repentance worthy of multiple listens. It’s brooding yet optimistic, orchestral but discreet, and the lyrics are never overtly sentimental. Klassen has made a great impression with this 12-track affair. It’s a beautiful addition, too, to Nevado’s canon which already includes folk crooner Bahamas and indie pop group Library Voices.

Published in Volume 68, Number 4 of The Uniter (September 25, 2013)