The Karpinka Brothers nostalgic and pastiche songwriting lands the Saskatchewan based folk group in a genre all of their own. Joel Plaskett once described their sound as “Buddy Holly boogie meets Crowded House.” Their fourth album, Talk Is Cheap, is set for release in the fall of 2017.
Talk Is Cheap feels like a call to arms. It finds a seemingly impossible balance of sincerity and positivity. When they sing lines like “Where would I be without music in my heart?” You not only believe them, you relate without a trace of irony. The brothers have a longstanding reputation of putting their money where their mouth is, finding a delicate balance between professional musicians and community volunteers. In addition to sharing the stage with influential artists like John K. Samson and Gordon Lightfoot, they’ve played dozens of concerts for residents of a local long-term care residence.
Produced and recorded by Grammy nominee Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Leonard Cohen, Vic Chestnut) at his legendary Hotel2Tango in Montréal, Talk Is Cheap is the most realized and expansive Karpinka Brothers album to date. Their eloquent blend of timeless folk and 60s pop songs are complimented by an impressive list of contributing musicians including Mathieu Charbonneau (Timber Timbre) on piano and keys, Jamie Thompson (Unicorns/Islands) on drums and percussion, Sophie Trudeau (Godspeed You! Black Emperor) on violin, Joel Kerr (Sara Slean) on bass, and backing vocals by Krista Muir.
The Karpinka Brothers will be touring North American in support of Talk Is Cheap. Dates have started to roll out including performances at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, Mo.
“…INSTANTLY ENGAGING…
THE CLASSIC POP OF BUDDY HOLLY WITH MORE THAN
A HINT OF THE EVERLY BROTHERS BESIDES.”
—NO DEPRESSION
“…SOME OF SASKATOON’S FINEST.”—CBC
“CALLS TO MIND SOME
OF THE LAST CENTURY’S
MOST FAMOUS BROTHER BANDS.”
—EXCLAIM!
“…POISED TO WIN OVER AMERICA
IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME.”
—ABSOLUTE PUNK
“…CONSISTENTLY IRRESISTIBLY CHARMING…”
—COUNTRY STANDARD TIME