FAITH HEALER
When Edmonton’s Jessica Jalbert first began performing solo under the name Faith Healer, the
alias was her way of avoiding being pigeonholed as a singer-songwriter. Now, however, times
have changed: Faith Healer has turned into a band, with singer-guitarist Jalbert joined by
drummer/multi-instrumentalist Renny Wilson. Their first LP as a duo is called Try ;-).
Balancing melancholic lyrics with playful moods, lush melodies with straightforward
arrangements, Try ;-) is the sound of an introspective loner leaving her bedroom to make a rock
record with her best bud. It’s what happens when you stop taking life as it comes and instead
throw all of your effort into making timeless pop songs. Forget what the bullies told you in middle
school—there’s nothing cooler than trying hard.
The intensive creative process inspired the title of Try ;-) and serves as a reminder that
sometimes you need to grab life by the horns rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. As for
that winky face: “I always use that wink emoticon,” Jalbert says with a laugh. “I think it’s
hilarious. I think it’s cheeky and fun, which is something I was trying to access a little more with
this record.”
ELLISE BARBARA
With over 10 releases and collaborations including Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab) & Sean Nicholas Savage. Elle Just Finished a North American tour with Tops.
