Seamlessly blending and bending roots, rock, and traditional Cape Breton Celtic music together into a hearty homemade soup that can dynamically have you hanging off every lyric – or knock you flat on your arse – Cape Breton’s contemporary Celtic trio Hauler has been simmering on the stove and have now served themselves up with the release of their debut album. Familiar faces from saltwater funk trio Slowcoaster Steve MacDougall and Mike LeLievre have been sharing stages since long before they had any to play on, bringing hard-hitting pop-rock to the masses between Cheticamp and China for almost 20 years, and this represents a timely and natural return to their acoustic roots. Teaming up with fiddler Colin Grant, Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2017 Canadian Folk Music Awards and a versatile musician who bounces between genres like a token fiddler should, the trio weaves traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, indie folk originals, and traditional and contemporary tune instrumentals with a modern acoustic approach that proves Cape Breton music can reassuringly re-invent itself.
HAULER is:
Mike LeLievre | guitar/bass/vocals
Colin Grant | fiddle
Steven MacDougall | guitars/vocals