Michael James Tapscott brought psych folk legend Ed Askew on board for vocals for “Police Patrol the Border.” Askew’s vulnerable voice tells the tale a guy whose night seems haunted by his memories of a time of a time of conflict and perhaps of war. Askew’s voice has enough of a quaver to give the song a deeply haunting quality and emotional weight while also able to carry the melody into its melodic heights. Electric organ and synth swells alongside elegant acoustic guitar figures recall the kind of weirdo folk from the realm of music Askew helped to usher in during the late 60s and 70s. Maybe more in the vein of the likes of Comus, Mason Proffit, Pentangle, Fairport Convention. But there’s a bit of an edge with this song that feels very present and reflecting modern anxieties that echo some of those of another era. That quality lends the song a timeless quality present in the production and songwriting in the rest of Tapscott’s new EP Charlie No-Face (released December 15, 2023 on Royal Oakie Records). With contributions from members of Odawas and Sugar Candy Mountain the songs incorporates elements of lo-fi indiepop more often heard in the 2000s with an ambitious songwriting style that one might associate with late 60s art rock and folk groups including what sounds like a touch of Mellotron tones. Listen to “Police Patrol the Border” on Spotify and follow Michael James Tapscott at the links below.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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