by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

It's certainly a new year for local songsmith Paul Cargnello, once of the Vendettas - new CD, new label, new take on his words and music. His latest disc Between Evils sustains the thread of bookish punk-folk flavoured with soul, blues, rock and reggae, but does so in a less obtuse manner than with his previous band the Vendettas or his solo debut Lightweight Romeo. "I've found a more comfortable place for all my influences," says Cargnello. "They actually fit into a song, and it's starting to sound more and more like me."

Cargnello himself now fits into the roster of La Tribu, home to Martin Léon, Urbain Desbois and les Cowboys Fringants - all similarly roots moderne, albeit en français. Though singing (mostly) in English, Cargnello does fit that 21st-century troubadour bill, balancing the personal and the political while namechecking poets, activists and the late punk icon Joe Strummer.

"La Tribu were looking for a guinea pig to bring out into the rest of Canada. At the same time, there's a residual effect - they're also trying to open up the francophone audience in Quebec.

"When they signed me, I was really shocked to hear some of the reasons. They'd heard that I was supporting the UFP, this sorta new-left alternative party in Quebec, and they were like, ‘Wow, this guy's political.' I've been lucky that they don't mind my politics at all, and they're also one of these labels that lets you do whatever you want creatively - free rein in the studio."

Paradoxically, Cargnello's showing more discipline in his songwriting. Between Evils sports his catchiest tunes yet - note the unshakeable opener "Let It Go Now" - and he's toned down his strident socialist soapboxing, as the song "Money Moves" indicates.

"I've had an easier time by not being too preachy. That was always the criticism of the last album and the Vendettas. We preached. It's about revolution - either you buy it or you don't. But now I see that it's better to be simple but intelligent, presenting my views but not ramming them down people's throats. I find people respond better to that.

"Actually, I mention a soapbox in that song, don't I?"

CD launch at Cabaret on Monday, Jan. 26, 8pm, $10

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