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CD Review by Ian Chiclo John Critchley Crooked Mile Sound King Records · 13 Engines frontman’s solo debut – features vocals of ex-Calgarian Leslie Feist. The roar of John Critchley’s mighty Gibson has been an under-recognized force in Canadian music for over a decade. The drive behind 13 Engines, his masterful guitar-playing is too easily dismissed because of its effortlessness. Living in the shadow of Neil Young, Critchley ploughs his guitar through 13 ragged tracks on his solo debut, Crooked Mile. While the song structure occasionally boarders on brilliance, his lyrics – still filled with parables and science – can be awkward at times, a fact only highlighted by his distinctive nasally voice. Yet all of the record’s flaws are forgotten with the sheer force of his overwhelming, but still subtle, guitar. Crooked Mile is a welcome return by one of Canada’s most interesting, and natural, rockers. 3/5

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