Unlike the more hushed and subdued music of her contemporaries, Bulat's music has a unique kick to it, thanks to the diverse instrumentation that Bulat utilizes. She plays the vast majority of the instruments on her records, including this year's Heart of My Own, yet she is most often seen playing the auto harp onstage. She is joined by her brother Bobby on the drums, where his insistent playing gives songs like "Gold Rush" and "In the Night" the percussive drive that most folk artists tend to shy away from. The group's sound comes to fruition through Bulat's voice, an alto that is as distinct as it is forceful. Canada has been a hotbed for great folk bands the last half-decade, and Basia Bulat are more than willing to make as enjoyable a contribution as they can. -Ryan Lester