Press

In radio news, the year after Puzzleroot released their first CD, they hit the charts on Toronto's, CIUT 89.5FM, Vancouver's CJSF 90.1 FM , Victoria's CFUV 101.9FM, and Nanaimo's CHLY 101.7FM ! They also have regular play on Village 900 (CKMO, 900AM, Victoria) and CBC Radio 3!

"It’s not puzzling to understand the appeal of Puzzleroot. Instrumentally perfect, fabulous vocals and an eclectic sound for any format. Another example of the rich, culturally diverse and artistic sounds from the deep talent pool of Victoria, BC."
- Brad Edwards, Music Director CKMO Radio, Village 900

"Puzzleroot brings to the table an eclectic flavor in both song selection and performance styling. Their harmonies are spot on and their playing compliments their songs like adding nutmeg to hot chocolate. Yummy stuff!"
- Robert McCourty, Artistic Director, Islands Folk Festival

"This is smart, witty and off-kilter roots music. Primarily a trio of guitar, banjo and upright bass, Puzzleroot sound like Pixies on a relaxing summer retreat and evoke memories of cult acts like Colorblind James Experience."
- The Gilded Palace of Sin, Totally Radio (Brighton UK)

"The coming-out party for local roots act Puzzleroot will be distinguished by expert, exciting musicianship and its stellar cover of the Pixies' Where Is My Mind?, which should become a staple of the band's repertoire for years to come."
- Mike Devlin, Times Colonist

"Farewell to Gerald Fitzella is an innovative folk/bluegrass leaning offering , that has an infectious, rootsy, upbeat bounce that a listener will revisit time and time again. This independent release wraps you up in its carnivalesque air and fights to keep you there.

Singer/Songwriter Gary Eugene’s vocal delivery sounds effortlessly authentic and the relaxed harmonization with Marian van der Zon can only be struck in the tightest of groups. Applause is also warranted for Marian’s solo lead and intermittent scat vocals sprinkled throughout the disc. Her progressive five string slide banjo and guitar vibrato contribution to the groups voice I must label as unique and dissimilar to any groups I’ve tried to compare.

Songs that shine like, From the Sweetness, They and Book of Ghosts hit me for their lyrical bends, twists, and puzzles; as did, the thought wrenching five minute, Blink of Death track. Country Spiders, Wall Mart and Birthday deliver comedic and/or social commentary interludes that are part and parcel to the carnival mystique. The only copy tune is a flattering rendition of the Pixies, Where Is My Mind? which previously served as the closing theme song in the hit movie, Fight Club.

Have a listen and you’ll be asking, as I did: Is this Really a Debut Album?"
- John Roman, Gabriola Radio

"Punk rock moved to the country and bought a farm. And life is good on the farm. Puzzleroot live up to their name, blending a broad range of musical genres like folk, alt-country and indie rock with strong social commentary and witty storytelling. And it all melds together nicely on ‘Farewell to Gerald Fitzella’, their debut album. It will leave you stomping your foot and singing along to their tales of love, politics, and protest. But don’t let the anarchy of it all fool you, this album is fun, and Puzzleroot want you to have a good time. A strong debut from a charming West Coast band."
- Nicole Green, Producer, MuchMusic

“Puzzleroot has a new CD, 'Farewell to Gerald Fitzella.' Very catchy right off the start. The recording is sublime with great playing, excellent sound quality, vocal mastery and the quirkiest of lyrics. My fave song is Metal and Bone...love the feel! Slippery slidey banjo, quirky lyrics, Puzzlerootsy!”
- Linda McRae

Video: Puzzleroot plays Metal & Bone at the Port Theatre, Fall 2010

"Ghosts in a West Virginia coalmine kidnap the acoustic love children of The Pixies. Haunting, spirited and fun, Puzzleroot's "Farewell to Gerald Fitzella," is a weird and wonderful melding of crunchy metallic sounds, string and song: dark and metaphysical in one moment, burning the barn in the next."
- Annabelle Chvostek

"Puzzleroot will transport you to their surreal country kitchen with quite a collection of quirky, strange, and beautiful songs. This is well played Alt Country with all the front porch pickin’ you’d expect, but with twists and turns around each corner."
- Bill Johnson, Bill Johnson Blues Band

Video: Puzzleroot plays One Eye at the Port Theatre, Fall 2010

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