Love is a time-honoured theme that emerges in all facets of artistic expression and, however ironic this may sound, it is often more appealing to listen to the melancholy aspect, probably because we can better relate, rather than hearing someone sing about how good their love life is (Barry White excluded of course). And so it is with a heavy heart that David Vertesi’s debut album Cardiography is brought forth to the masses. Perhaps Vertesi’s lyrics exposing his vulnerabilities coupled with his boyish good looks is an attractive and luring combination. Perhaps the success of Cardiography is owed in part to the array of talented artists in the Vancouver folk-pop music scene who seem to provide the inspiration and spark for the overall feel of the album. Either way, Cardiography is a strong debut, but don’t be fooled by the opening track.

Cardiography starts out with an absolute pop gem complete with a super catchy chorus, a build up of strings and a texture of indie charm, something his other band, Hey Ocean!, is consistently accustomed to producing. ‘Mountainside’ is not indicative of the rest of the album which has a slower more minimal pace, but for 4 minutes the listener is treated to a sticky sweet tune that deserves a few immediate taps of the repeat button. That’s not to suggest this is the only song worthy of the repeat function, quite the opposite really, but rather don’t judge an album by its opening track.

While Cardiography settles down into more of a folk-pop feel sprinkled with the sadness and resiliency of love, one can’t help but wonder if the record was conceived while gazing through the rain soaked windows typical of Vancouver. The remainder of the album can easily be used as a mechanism for personal self reflection drawing connections to past experiences from titles like ‘Heart’s Don’t Break, People Do’. But the softer mood still has opportunities for a sing along as evidenced by slightly more bouncy tracks including ‘All Night, All Night, All Night’ , the title track ‘Cardiography’ and ‘Broadcasting’, all of which have instantly memorable melodies and musical elements that can easily appear on an album from any number of Vancouver artists who sleep in the same musical bed, so to speak. ‘Learn to Run’ starts with vocal musings and a build up of intensity similar in spirit to Adian Knight, who guests on the album and no doubt helped energize the feeling. The listener is graced by the soft and sweet background vocals of Hanna Georgas, an up and coming singer and songwriter, whose voice provides the perfect balance to Vertesi’s low rumblings. Add Tom Dobrzanski to the mix, an accomplished musician from the progressive piano pop band The Zolas, and you have pleasing combination and a wealth of inspiration to work with to say the least.

While the influences on the album are evident, there is an undeniable sound unique to Vertesi which is focused on his baritone voice, catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. The album draws from his friendships with the other bands and forges into new and unique territory narrating his own personal story of love. Cardiographyis an accomplished debut and a further testament to the ever evolving Canadian music scene.