Recently, Joan Shelley and guitarist/husband Nathan Salsburg have been on the move. Leaving behind Kentucky for Michigan, they then travelled to Toronto to record Shelley’s 2025 record, Real Warmth. Working with producer Ben Whiteley and local musicians, including members of The Weather Station, on songs like “For When You Can’t Sleep”, the beautifully delicate recordings sound like Shelley is singing right in your ear. The thick drums courtesy of Philippe Melanson are a part of the very good opening song, “Here In The High And Low” where Shelley gives guidance, “Guard what’s gentle, not castles or kings”.
The track, “Everyday” addresses the couple’s move with the line “Now we’re living by the road far from our little Eden”, the sweetness then follows on the duet song “Heaven Knows”. The deafening quietness of “The Orchard” sees Shelley sing of the world where “A factory for misery that prays that war won’t end”, unfortunately fitting these days. The crashing drums on “Wooden Boat” along with an extended instrumental passage provide one of the highlights on this all together fine album.
7.5/10
The Light Appears 