Brian Borcherdt

The best remedy for too much of one thing is often doing just as much of the complete opposite. That is what Nova Scotia-born Brian Borcherdt has done. After spending years playing in what he describes as “loud, screamy bands” as well as more recent experimental success Holy Fuck, Borcherdt has made the focus of his solo project the complete opposite sound – uncompromisingly sparse and moody.

With a new album released on October 7th, 2008, on Hand Drawn Dracula, Coyotes shows off Borcherdt’s songwriting skills and minimalist accompaniment. Recorded in Divine Right’s Jose Contreras’ living room while on a break from Holy Fuck’s touring schedule, the album is intimate and delicate, featuring Borcherdt’s purposefully meek vocals that force curious listeners in. The acoustic guitar accompaniment in the title track is exceptionally captivating when a set of seductive strings enter in the close of the song. Other songs like “Evil Twin” and “Scout Leader” not only show off Borcherdt as a songwriter but as a gifted instrumentalist. Each note is as purposeful and integral to the song as the words he seems to whisper out.