Surging forth with invigorating immediacy and infectious exuberance, Shane Turner Overdrive’s self-titled debut bears all the signs of a first album that’s been a long time coming. Indeed, multi-instrumentalist Shane Turner first conceived of his solo project upon moving to Vancouver eight years ago. However, the venture was quickly relegated to the backburner when Turner found every available moment dedicated to his multitude of other musical undertakings. As a member of Love and Mathematics, Woodpigeon (Boompa Records), Fanshaw (Mint Records), Memphis (Paper Bag Records), Sparrow (Absolutely Kosher Records), The Salteens (Boompa Records), and the Choir Practice (Mint Records), Turner quickly established himself as one of Vancouver’s busiest and most versatile players. When Love and Mathematics and The Choir Practice (two projects that reacquainted Turner with the pleasures of songwriting) went on hiatus in 2008, the musician was finally able to devote his full attention to Shane Turner Overdrive. In 2009, the opportunity to collaborate with Vancouver “pop maestro” Jay Arner (Fine Mist, International Falls) arose and Turner set about penning material for his solo project’s first album. As a traditionalist still inclined to listening to entire albums rather than cherry-picking individual tracks, Turner endeavored to write a cohesive cycle of complementary songs. In other words: A record that he himself would listen to. Accomplished songs that couldn’t find their place in the running order were left at the wayside. One track was ultimately divided in two in order to provide stylistic bookends for the record. Shorter, chord organ songs were appointed at regular intervals to lend a rhythm to the running order. Beats were tweaked to create a natural momentum and flow. Finally, carefully considered lyrics unified the songs thematically. Turner’s next order of business was to bring drummer (and cousin) Kyle Koenig into the fold. Having played with Koenig since he was thirteen years old, Turner knew that their musical rapport would allow the album to be recorded live off the floor. Furthermore, Koenig’s unique combination of technical precision and gregarious energy were ideally suited to the new material. After holing up in his rehearsal space with Koenig, Arner, Ian Somers (Love and Mathematics) and vocalists Olivia Fetherstonhaugh (Fanshaw) and Johnny Payne (The Shilohs), Shane Turner Overdrive’s long-gestating debut album was finally born. Operating under the influence of No Age, Sebadoh and Guided by Voices, the collaborators relied on first takes (charming mistakes and all) and avoided overdubs whenever possible. The result is thirteen rough-around-the-edges pop gems that unfold in a whirlwind twenty-five minutes. Whether it’s the propulsive “Wigs,” soaring “Taped on Walls” or low-key “Libra Tapes,” Turner proves adept at penning pop songs of every stripe. Meanwhile, the melancholy clearly evident in companion vignettes “Cyril Sneer” and “Cedrick Sneer” (two of the disc’s chord organ offerings) reaches aching fruition on closer “Weird Death.” While Turner’s enigmatic lyrics touch upon the personal hardships he was dealing with during the album’s conception, his mellifluous vocals and knack for shimmering melodies capably sugar the pill. In 2010, Shane Turner Overdrive continues to forge ahead. While continuing to serve with Fanshaw, Woodpigeon and Love and Mathematics, Turner will also be touring through Canada, USA and the U.K. with his solo project. Furthermore, a sophomore album has already been written and will be recorded and released by year’s end.