Gotta Light?

FOLK

AHI

In Our Time

The music of AHI — a Brampton, ON-born singer-songwriter who splits his time between Toronto and Nashville — shines with positivity, and on his sophomore record, In Our Time, it’s overflowing. It’s there right from the start when AHI proclaims, “I’ve been told I’m worthless” but quickly adds, “so much that it gave me purpose.” No matter how unstable life feels, AHI finds comfort in home, which is both a person and a place. On “Five Butterflies,” he reflects on his journey to familial bliss. Likewise, “Made It Home” is a sigh of relief after a long journey, and on “In Our Time,” the world around him crumbles, but AHI feels safe with the one he loves. On both of his records, his vocal performance is captivating — hoarse, but not weary, gravelly and warm. On In Our Time, AHI is nestled into a familiar folk-pop landscape, but because his voice is distinctive, a soundscape that would otherwise feel tiresome is less so. “Straight Ahead” and “We Want Enough” are both radio-friendly tracks complete with rounds of “whoas” but neither song places all of its weight on this

Matter to Me.” Drizzy puts it best on “8 Out of 10”: “I’d tell you to hear me out, but we both know end of the day / Your sister is pressin’ play, your trainer is pressin’ play / Your wifey, your wifey, your wifey…” Enough said. ( Young Money/Cash Money) ROCK catchy hook. It’s easy to be a pessimist with the world the way it is; the fierce optimism of AHI’s In Our Time is heartening and a treat to listen to. (Independent)

The tone of your voice is very distinctive. Have you always sounded like that?

No, I had to teach myself how to sing. I wasn’t a good singer at all, but I had passion and when you did hear me sing, there was something there. I think I had to learn how to hone that. I had to learn how to find my voice and then how to master it. I don’t even think I’ve mastered it yet. Every time I write a song it’s a new process to learn how to sing it.

Why was it important for In Our Time to be hopeful?

It’s so easy to wallow in darkness. It took me a long time, and I’m still battling with it, to believe that I can be happy and that I can live a good life. But you can live a good life and I think it’s important for people to feel that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t want to be corny, but you can bring light into your life. after another hard day of work, set to psychedelic guitar thrumming. That theme persists, with every lyrical reflection on the monotony of everyday life presenting an equal opportunity to hear a buzzy earworm. “Pressure” hops through lyrics of a suicidal town with incredibly in-sync vocals from Taylor Mulitz (Priests), Daniel Saperstein and Emma Baker and a persistent drum line, while the LP’s closest punk production comes at the end with “Business Unusual.” On Constant Image, Flasher speak to the realities of gentrification, self-discovery and escapism. (Domino) HIP- HOP