Born in Australia, based in Canada, rising singer-songwriter Mikhail Laxton made a name for himself after appearing as a contestant on The Voice Australia 2015 and moved to Canada shortly after where he has quickly gained popularity in the country/folk/blues scene.
His brand new self-titled album ‘Mikhail Laxton’ is a raw collection of stories about the personal issues he has faced in his life so far from loss, love, nostalgia, and missing home.
The opening track “Dying To Let You Go” is a song about his fathers struggle with addiction which ultimately led to his death. With his flawless vocals and pedal steel guitars in the background, Mikhail delivers a country song filled with heart break, vulnerability, and compassionate insight into the disease that took his father’s life.
He continues his journey with “Something That Was Gone”. A nostalgic track about holding on and letting go of the past, Mikhail once again captivates listeners with the tone of his vocals and the subtle guitar melodies. “Leaving You With Less” is story about the end of a once happy relationship destroyed by unfaithfulness and betrayal. Driven by an upbeat rhythm and country-rock style guitar, this track is bound to satisfy country fans.
An Indigenous Australian, originally from the KuKu Yalanji Tribe in Mossman, Queensland, Australia, Laxton pays tribute to his hometown with the track “Mossman” referring to the small town as “talking about paradise” and “the kinda place you never want to leave”. He wrote the song after experiencing homesickness during the pandemic and captures a beautiful image of the town through his song writing. Another upbeat country song with the drums driving the track and the guitars steering it down the road of country/folk.
With his unique perspective on storytelling and his ability to capture and deliver emotion through his music, Mikhail is sure to captivate listeners with his honest lyrics and raw, emotive vocals.
8.5/10
Tracklisting:
Dying To Let You Go
Something That Was Gone
Leaving You With Less
Slow Motion
Maybe It’s A Good Thing
Streams
Four-String Cowboy
End of The Road
What Can I Say?
It’s Your Time
Mossman
You Come to Me