Dumb Angel

Dumb Angel is the alter-ego of Saskatoon singer Shaun Mason, who has been creating haunting, swirling, dream-like acoustic folk-rock since his debut album, Ghost Dance, in 2006.

Drawing comparisons to other purveyors of moody, quiet folk, like the Red House Painters, Dumb Angel’s debut was completely recorded by Mason alone by overdubbing layers upon layers of vocals and guitars. However, for his follow-up, I Woke Up This Morning, Dumb Angel became a trio with the addition of Melissa Nygren on backup vocals and glockenspiel and Patrick Schmidt on second guitar. The album was recorded live in Mason’s living room over a few days, resulting in a lush and retrospective acoustic folk-rock album.

The title track from the album is hauntingly sparse, yet rich in its harmonies and rippling guitar riff. Other singles, like “City on a River” and “Saint Helen’s Blues” show off Mason’s purposefully gentle vocals over mastered guitar accompaniment.