After a release or two under his proper name, local singer/songwriter Grant Davidson gave himself the Slow Leaves moniker to take things up a notch. Enlisting producer/multi-instrumentalist Rusty Matyas of Imaginary Cities to help flesh out this ten-track debut LP was a great idea, as the pop sensibilities on “Life of a Better Man” and Nick Drake-y opener “Everybody Wants to Be in Love” are quite bright. “Dreamer” is waiting to be placed on that mix for your new crush, while the twangy “Neighbourhood Watch” is a gunslinger’s delight. “Institution” might be the standout here, a subtle little dreamer that’s catchy without being intrusive. A solid, crisp disc that will likely take Davidson to the next level.

Published in Volume 69, Number 6 of The Uniter (October 8, 2014)