“Sherman Downey delivers a record packed with positivity; ten tracks beautifully orchestrated to paint a picture of a world rediscovered.

Downey’s melodies are quite captivating, his soft vocals speak directly to the listener whilst his choice of instrumentation feels very experimental. However it proves to be a success as Downey creates a rather unique space for himself. Shiftwork is a stand out track on the record and a prime example of the unusual production and arrangement that really gives Downey his own style. Fingerguns, despite its sombre feel, has a playful, child like lyrical theme to it whilst the funky production and the piano riffs in Romancer make this track the most bold on the record. Tracks like Long Goodbye help the record to lean slightly more into the country remit with its slight twang and clever lyrics. For the most part, it’s a cohesive collection of songs.

Sherman Downey’s take on country-influenced folk-pop is incomparable. This is a record that takes you on a beautiful musical journey from start to finish and will have you coming away feeling refreshed.”

Zoe Hodges,
Editor, Maverick Magazine

Winners of CBC's Searchlight, Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case return with a second album that offers plenty of unassuming roots-pop pleasures and showcases the Newfoundland band's accomplished musicianship.

Opening with the jaunty, Cajun-tinged "The Right Idea," The Sun in Your Eyesplays like a rousing live set by a quintet of friends who relish making music and singing together. Unsurprisingly, the Band shows up as a prominent influence on several of the album's highlights, most notably in the gorgeously ragged harmonies on "Annalee" — perhaps a reference to "The Weight" — and the call-and-response chorus of "The Calling." The mournful "All That You Hate," featuring strings as well as a gentle accordion that is more Paris café than Louisiana hoedown, and the plaintive pedal steel on the breakup country shuffle "An Apology" also suggest that there is more to the group than good-time music.

Thierry Côté,

Exclaim Magazine

Sherman Downey and the Silver Lining (formerly the Ambiguous Case) have, in a few short years, emerged as one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most exciting and talked about new bands at home and abroad. Their debut album, “Honey for Bees” is immediately infectious. From the first few bars of gargly harmonica in “Soulsweeping” to the story of a lonesome ‘cougar’ on the dance floor in “Easy to Break a Heart”, this record has your toes tapping and you singing unashamedly along at the top of your lungs. The album has a rootsy, folk-country flavour spiced with hints of bluegrass and americana. Sherman’s vocal delivery has been likened to a young Paul Simon and he is lyrically and melodically as sharp as they come. “I pulled out a chair, I held a door, I threw a brand new jacket in the mud and I can’t wear it anymore. I crossed my heart and hoped to die. But lately I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout this needle in my eye” declares the love-lorn anti-hero of “Mudjacket”. Sherman is a fantastic storyteller and the silver lining punctuate these narratives wonderfully and with all the warm goodness of a come home year party or a barn loft dance-up. These tunes will march into your brain and you’ll have every chorus memorized by album’s end. Sherman and the boys have performed at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, have recently finished a tour of Australia and Sherman was named Music Newfoundland and Labrador’s Male Artist of the Year for 2010. “Honey for Bees” is a true gem. Be sure to check out a live show if you’re able! Make sure you bring your dance pants!

Fred’s Records, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

GALLERY