The Coast, Halifax NS

Review of Magical Books and Letters

Gordon B. Isnor's Magical Books and Letters Celebrate the end of Christmas at Gus’ Pub on Dec. 27. Local artisans gather to raise their baby pints high above the booze-stained carpets and give cheers to the tail end of the overly jovial, commercial holiday season. Wild rover and former local legend Gordon B. Isnor rolls into town for a gig with The Just Barleys and On Film at this post Boxing day occasion.

“I’m hoping to have my latest record together in time for the show,” says Isnor over tea and an oatcake at Steve O’Renos. “It’s titled Magical Books and Letters after an old shop that used to be in the Khyber building.”

A musician with a few tricks and vowels up his sleeve, Isnor declines any sort of nostalgia-induced reasons for creating this album. In fact he never stepped foot in the bookshop, though he recalls an ex-flame’s father was the owner. Currently the Montreal-based artist and writer holds a fine arts degree from NSCAD, is the founder Left Hip zine-turned-online magazine and has a discography which boasts over 50 recordings.

“Oh, there is too many to list. I put an obscure box set a few years ago and gave it to friends,” he says, modestly.

Seriously Buried Treasure, Isnor’s previous 10-track mystical release featured unbearably adorable artwork by Shary Boyle. If the visual elements of the record are any indication, the green octopus tickling an old record player presumably found at the bottom of the sea, released on Lord Sir Skronk Records (home to Matthew Grimson and Diffuse Light), is a surefire sign Magical Books and Letters shall be a sonic, fanastical, bite-size (clocking in at 13 minutes) delight.

“Living is the main instrument and influence on my songwriting, basically it’s my experience of living in Canada. Nearly everything I write is non-fiction, unlike Matt who can create such fantastic fictional songs.”

Author: Shannon Webb-Campbell