Nêhiyaw singer songwriter Wyatt C. Louis offers music that at first seems easy on the ears, casual and comfortable. All good things, to be sure, but with more careful listening, Lewis reveals a depth and craft in his songs – the performance, the careful arrangements and the sudden changes of key or tempo create layers for his songs to occupy. The supreme musicianship is plainly evident, offering an invitation to the listener to take a journey with Louis and his band as the meander with purpose but also a willingness to see where the song takes them. Anchored by a big drum sound and an unwavering bass rhythm, with flourishes of atmospheric sounds that float through Louis’ guitar as he sits centre stage, make a song such as “Say What’s On Your Mind” utterly transfixing. Louis offers a sound that encourages careful listening and gives an opportunity to simply sit back and let your mind drift into places of peace and imagination.

— Derek McEwen