Remedy is a Canadian three piece from Halifax, Nova Scotia. They’ve been around a while and have built a solid following in their local grass-roots circuit, thanks to their live show reputation and their participation in numerous charity events. Original singer guitarist Steve Harley and bassist James Bond (yes, really) recently took on drummer Gil Roy as a permanent feature, although he is not mentioned on the album.

What you will find on “Paleofidelity” is hard to classify. If I had to choose a word it would definitely be “funk,” however expect to find everything from blues to reggae, to seventies rock and indie in this huge melting pot that is Remedy. Remedy sound like Jimi Hendrix meets Zeppelin, meets Red Hot Chilli Peppers and what would happen if they were all to do a gig together in New Orleans picking up nee and random musicians from the street. Lucky enough, they pick all very good musicians I must say.

The funk-blues element is predominant in the first part of the album, up to ‘American Light,’ which then gradually leaves the honours to seventies rock atmospheres, still keeping all the aforementioned influences in the mix, although generally going more mellow. By the time you get to ‘Junglewalk’ we’ve pretty much crossed the pop line, with an easy listening tune somewhat reminiscent of the Style Council.

The unique thing about “Paleofidelity,” as the band likes to highlight, is the song writing process. Finding the basic drum / bass groove first and shaping the song’s backbone from there. Often the initial tape recording of this drum / bass foundation was used in the final recording, preserving the imperfections and with them the freshness of the song itself. In the current trend of overproduced rubbish, I personally welcome the idea.

Checking their MySpace [Remedy on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads] I noticed Remedy are still sticking to their local territory, at least when it concerns live shows. I’m not sure if it’s a choice or lack of attention on this side of the pond, but listening to closing track ‘Completely Turned Around’ I positively believe there’s an audience for this band outside of Canada. In the meanwhile, break that money bank and get your copy of “Paleofidelity.”

Your record collection deserves it.