This Friday sees the release of Toronto singer/songwriter Luke Nicholson’s new album Shape And Sound, (streaming at Great Dark Wonder). Nicholson officially celebrates the album’s release with a show at Toronto’s Burdock Music Hall on Wednesday April 19th.

Shape And Sound displays once again the melodic gifts and poignant storytelling that has led Luke Nicholson to be regarded as one of Canada’s true songwriting craftsmen. The album also marks a sonic departure from Nicholson’s previous work, drawing inspiration from the likes of The Lumineers and City & Colour.

Shape And Sound’s two-year journey following his previous release Frantic City not only led Nicholson to find his true artistic identity, it also encouraged him to firmly take the reins of his creative process. Nicholson worked closely with Marty Skrzypczyk, and between them, they played every instrument while co-producing all the tracks from the beds up. Mixing was handled by Howie Beck, with Joao Carvalho applying his usual excellent mastering skills.

First single “All Your Dresses” gets straight to the heart of everything Shape And Sound represents, paying tribute to two of the most important relationships in Nicholson’s life. Using clothes as a metaphor, the song illustrates special moments shared between a husband and wife, and also the ideals his father instilled in him to be a good man and father, captured through the simple image of a tie.

And for those that missed the 2017 finale of CBC Music’s Searchlight