In just under a month Canadian songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist Mitch Davis will release his debut album The Haunt, on Arbutus Records. Davis has already gifted us with two songs from his upcoming debut and now fans can enjoy another cut of his brilliant and captivating record. 

“Hope That” is a hazy and laidback song, it captures the feeling of nostalgia and the video looks like it could have been shot on a summer’s day in the 60’s.

Davis says, “I don’t know how apparent it is in the end, but ‘Hope That’ definitely comes from my deep love of crooners like Chet Baker. It was also one of the first ‘singing’ songs I ever wrote, but I’m glad I let it stew and evolve for a few years before recording.

Lyrically, it’s the best possible breakup situation I guess.. you’re apart — maybe a little uncertain and sad, but ultimately wishing the best for a past love while looking forward to see what’s next for you both.”

Despite so much going on behind the scenes, The Haunt is a breezy, upbeat listen, very much in tune with the spirit of 70s pop that Davis loves for the way it strikes a balance between complexity and brevity. These are composed, layered songs made with care, but also made to make you smile. Not only fun for the listener, The Haunt sounds like it was fun to make—and it was. ”As soon as I start working on something, I don’t get tired. I can’t,” says Davis. “It’s like I get drunk on the music or something.” Yet the record is also very personal, pondering over the ways memories, both good and bad, can continue to linger long after the people and things that inspired them have disappeared into the ether—thus the title of The Haunt.

“My City Life” a song about using dating apps during the panic and “Let It Die” have already given audiences a lot to be excited about and with a run of fall dates already announced Davis is shaping up for a busy 2022.

Photo Courtesy: Chloé Soldevila