Whether this Canadian Irishman plays solo guitar or sings in front of a sharp folk-rock band, his songs shine brightly. The key is that his clean, crisp vocals bring out the emotion and meaning of each line of his lyrics. The lyrics are filled with classic folk topics of politics, religion, and simple human emotion. Yet, I will put Sinnicks above much of the pack in terms of balancing direct dialect with poetic flourish. Again, the delivery sends it all forward with music that will stick to you, deeper with every listen. It is no surprise he has won awards with his song writing in the past.
Fans of Sinnicks will warm to the tracks on “Fridge Magnet,” including “White Charlie” — a cautionary tale about the addictive qualities of smartphone apps — and “Landlady of Boxhill” — a traditional folkie about what happens when a Canadian backpacker finds his way to an English pub south of London.
It’s a collection worthy of anyone’s fridge door.
Graham Rockingham
(Fridge Magnet) a well-rounded six track EP of original songs and one cover. that are short and (very) sweet in a very appealing folk-rock style.
Stephen Rapid
Steve “Solidarity” Sinnicks is the quintessential ubiquitous singer/ songwriter of Southern Ontario, and perhaps the country overall. On any given night, the drummer and guitarist is playing somewhere, at a grounded level, singing true songs about people, for the people. This latest release shows a developed Sinnicks, touching upon politics, heartbreak and a light but hard-hitting look at real hardcore middle-of-the-road living with the odd clever, cynical existential lyric that hits home. The recording and performance stays true as well, which makes this disc an honest representation of what it is like to be entertained by him. Some numbers receive additional touches of musicianship from the outside, best exemplified by Les Cooper and the Killjoys’ Shelley Woods’ bass bends. So next time, if you are in a hankering for something non-indie rock, it is suggested that Sinnicks’ music be given a spin, because listening to his compositions is like having a great conversation with him – he entertains, teaches and challenges.