Daniel James McFadyen

There were a couple of basements that were looking a little empty on the night of Daniel James McFadyen’s (DJM) album release party at the Light House Arts Centre in Halifax.   The stage was dressed much like those stereotypical basements of our youth, the ones that were a shrine to the past.  The spot where the floral living room sets now resides, alongside some retired side and coffee tables and that trusty CRT television that was swapped out for a newer thinner model. The wood-paneled paradise was always the spot where the kids would congregate when the adults got together. It was a warm and welcoming space,  perfectly matching the vibe of your typical McFadyen affair.  

 On the way to the venue, a little pregame listening of the new DJM album (his full-length sophomore release) Back to the Country was in order.  The talented singer songwriter and his equally talented crew crafted one of the best albums of 2025 (including the immaculate gem “Diamond” , a beautiful slice of ebullient indie-folk).   It’s clear that the East Coast continues to produce some of the best songwriters in the country, and McFayden can certainly be considered amongst them.   That initial listen had definitely dialed up the excitement for what was to come.

Joss MacNeil

Kicking off the party was The Public Service, a band who has been on the HAFILAX radar for a bit, but one that had eluded our ears until this show.  On this night, the standard quintet was whittled down to a two piece configuration featuring vocalist Joss MacNeil and George Woodhouse on vocals and guitar.   It was a fantastic introduction to the band’s material, as Joss’s vocals shone bright in the vast Lighthouse Arts Centre, and George’s gregarious demeanour and top-tier songwriting were captivating.   I look forward to catching The Public Service in their full-band configuration down the road.

Maisie, Tim and Bran

It was then time to welcome indie pop-rockers Good Dear Good to the Light House Arts Centre stage.   The Halifax indie power-pop outfit has been making a name for itself with lush harmonies that lodge themselves deep in your head.   A week prior, the band was a late addition to the Sommo Festival lineup, where they thoroughly impressed this jaded listener with a poise and polish not often heard.  Tracks “Coffee and Sunshine”, “Fool Me” and “Better Off Dead” hummed with infectious harmonies, and shimmered brightly in the packed Nova 7 tent.  As such, it was a great opportunity to see the band on home turf in the same week, and Good Dear Good solidified those initial reactions.  These songs are some of the most infectious pieces of aural confectionery that have been released in recent memory. Tim, Maisie, Brandon, Connor and Heather also recently celebrated the release of their EP Sook, which is certainly worthy of your time (go check it out!).  

Daniel James McFadyen

Much to my surprise, ahead of Daniel James McFadyen walking out on stage, the vintage CRTs came to life and provided a comforting and homey glow to the expansive stage.  Another element that was missing on this night was the cold steel rail, which only added to that warm inviting environment, as there was no barrier imposed between the patrons and performers.  Once the lights dimmed, McFadyen walked out on stage solo, with just his guitar as accompaniment and stepped into the spotlight and started in on “Johnny”, a cut from the new album.   It was a moment that was simple and understated, befitting of that basement setting.  The band (including Sarah Surette, Scott Marsters, Mat Elliott, Taylor McKnight, James Shaw, and Mat Hughes) joined Daniel on stage as the opening number wound down. From there, the full band launched into the title track from Back To the Country, a rousing number about escaping the concrete jungle for a simpler existence out in the wilderness.  From there, we were off and rollicking into the set. 

While this night was a celebration of McFadyen’s sophomore LP, it didn’t mean that some of Daniel’s earlier works were left in the rear view, as it was his track “Caroline” that initially reeled me in with its folky sun-kissed vibes.    Seeing it performed in a packed Marquee Ballroom was magical, and seeing it on this night was no less special.  It’s a genuine ear-worm.  

As the set reached the mid-point, Daniel welcomed fellow Halifax singer-songwriter Darragh Jessome to the stage to join him for a sparkling and delicate rendition of “Find My Way to You”, a track the two wrote in the glow of a campfire.    As Darragh left the stage, the band returned and converged around a single microphone to perform an immaculate take on “Diamond”, a track that continued to gleam in that expansive room.     

All in all, it was a spectacular night of music in the Light House Arts Centre, one that wrapped up with Rankin MacInnis (the evening’s emcee) joining the band for an unreal cover of The Bleachers’ “Modern Girl”.  A performance which mirrored the structure of the Arkells’ Jubilee performance, where DJM and his crew provided support.  

To close out the show, Daniel James McFadyen broke out crowd pleasing 2022 single “Hot Sun” which is a rousing number that sent folks home happy. But, as with all good things, the end is inevitable. We had to leave that basement, which we did much to our chagrin.   

The band has wrapped up their East Coast run, but will be kicking off the second leg of the tour, so if you have an opportunity to catch Daniel out on the road, get those tickets. It’ll be money well spent. 

Daniel James McFadyen

Emcee: Rankin MacInnis

Good Dear Good

Public Service (Duo)