Folk Pop from Vanstones

In the pristine landscapes of the Yukon, a trio of talented musicians found each other and formed Vanstones. Comprising multi-instrumentalists Amanda Fata, Sarah Murphy and Nathan Schultz, this folk pop outfit’s journey is steeped in the magic of vocal harmonies and inspired by legendary groups like Fleetwood Mac. Together, they’ve crafted a sound that revolves around lush vocal arrangements, blending acoustic instrumentation with world music-inspired rhythms and delicate electric guitar flourishes.

While Amanda, Sarah and Nathan didn’t originate from the Yukon, fate or perhaps a bit of luck brought them together in Whitehorse in 2020. It’s in this serendipitous meeting that the essence of Vanstones was born. As they reflect on their music’s origins, Nathan shares that most of their songs came to life during the pandemic. “The album captures our emotional experiences at the time, as well as the pure joy and connection we felt making music with each other. That joy is really what we want to share with the world.”

With their upcoming showcase at Breakout West in Kelowna and a Fall Tour scheduled to dazzle audiences across British Columbia, Vanstones are poised to introduce their captivating sound to a broader audience. Their debut full-length album, Cascadia, presents eight songs that capture the essence of their sonic identity and serves as an invitation to experience the joy that emanates from their harmonious collaboration.

The album opens with “Of Course I Can,” setting the tone with its upbeat folk pop sound. The song resonates with soft ukulele strums, gentle twangs of the guitar and a stunning vocal arrangement. It’s a joyful introduction to the world of Vanstones, where music feels like a jubilant celebration of life’s moments. “Home” follows, continuing the album’s narrative with heartfelt lyrics layered over a laid-back arrangement that carries a subtle sense of urgency in its performance. “Oh! Ontario” takes a poetic dive into the Canadian region, accompanied by intricate acoustic guitar plucks and Nathan’s velvety vocals.

One of the album’s standout moments arrives with “Sleepy Northern Town.” It begins with playful acoustic guitar work, gradually joined by the ethereal female leads. The song’s mellow tone picks up as the percussive shaker and vibrant vocal harmonies come into play, crafting a beautiful composition that’s bound to steal your heart.

Closing out this exceptional debut album is “With You (California).” It showcases the trio’s seamless vocal exchanges and features slick lead electric guitar licks. This uplifting jam weaves catchy melodies and infectious rhythms into a splendid finale, leaving the listener with a sense of musical fulfilment. Each member of Vanstones contributes not only their vocals but also their unique instrumental flair, creating an album that transports you to the serene landscapes of the Yukon and invites you to revel in the beauty of timeless music-making.

Listen to Cascadia below

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