Paul Langlois’ record label, Ching Music, has a new artist in it's stable. His name is Greg Ball, a singer/songwriter out of Kingston, Ontario, who's originally from St Mary’s, Ontario, near Stratford.

A few years ago, the hope of a strong music scene brought Greg to Kingston, by way of Vancouver. It was there that he joined and formed a band called the Harpies. They recorded an album in 2004, but relatively soon after that they decided to go their separate ways. As a matter of fact, the break-up came soon after Greg got a tattoo of a harpy on his arm, in a gesture of unity and commitment to the band. It can be tough to keep a band together...

Excessive Until August, Greg's debut solo CD, is riddled with character, much like the man himself. With a distinctive lilt in his voice, he sings personal songs of love and loss, full of the sorts of melodies that sometimes mask the darkened themes - this album has a feel and a sound that bring to mind artists like Gram Parsons and Ryan Adams, yet Greg's voice is his alone.

From the title track's catchy chorus, through the intensity of songs like "Glutton" and "Picking At The Past", to the intense mood and longing of "Tallest Trees" and "Her Sweet", Greg's songs evoke strong, dramatic images, and they reveal surprising depth.

Excessive Until August is a great listen, and a highly unique trip.

This is Greg Ball, and you'll be glad to know him.