Proud, but not so loud.

In this age where processed rock yowling has become the hallmark of pseudo-angry-young-man bands the world over, a whisper can still be a thousand times more revealing than a scream.

Enter local tunesmith Gentleman Reg, who with his sophomore album Make Me Pretty walks a gilded line between careful and commanding.

There's a lot going on here, albeit quietly, both in terms of music and lyrics. The singer -- real name: Reg Vermue -- tackles love, anxiety, and self-realization with a combination of somberness, sobriety, wonder and laid-back breeziness. The effect feels at times a Velvet-y samba record as envisioned by a less depressed Nick Drake, particularly on opener Statement and the title track, and Vermue's voice holds a whispy quality that isn't unlike a young Art Garfunkel at his most restrained. Still, stylistic bookends such as Give Me The Chance To Fall and Bless This Heart underline the album's expanse, bounding as they do from perfect guitar pop to weary country waltz, respectively.

A choice assembly of players from Vermue's hometown Guelph scene lend support, including members of Royal City and The Constantines.

Gentleman Reg performs as part of Pride Week tomorrow at the North Stage at Church and Gloucester Sts. at 4 p.m., and does his regular duty as backup singer for The Hidden Cameras tonight at Pride's South Beer Garden at 8:30.

He plays a CD release gig for Make Me Pretty at the Rivoli next Friday, along with Joel Gibb and The Fembots.

Track Listing