7/10

Richard Turgeon has long been known for power-pop hooks and crisp, radio-ready melodies, but his latest release 'Shungite' sees him step into something rougher and rawer. The bones of his songwriting, such as big choruses and driving guitar lines remain, but the textures lean more toward indie-rock grit and the melodic urgency of the ‘90s.

The shift is immediately clear on tracks like 'Small Fry', a blistering sprint that never lets up, zig-zagging between riffs without ever losing its momentum. It’s the kind of tune that feels designed for sweaty clubs and clenched fists. By contrast, 'This Is the Last Song' pulls closer to Turgeon’s pop-rock roots, pairing a sing-along chorus with a guitar solo sharp enough to slice through the nostalgia.

Even when he slows things down, Turgeon maintains intensity. 'Deep Cuts' strips the sound back to something moodier, channelling shades of grunge-era heaviness with a solo that scorches straight through the haze. Elsewhere, the title-track, 'Songs of Discontent', and 'Signs' reinforce just how central the riff is to Turgeon’s craft; memorable, immediate, and always serving the song.

With 'Shungite', Richard Turgeon has turned up the volume, dirtied the edges, and found a new gear. It’s a collection that celebrates the guitar as a driving force, propelling him into his boldest territory yet.