As welcome as a prairie breeze on a sweltering day, Mariel Buckley’s alt-country self-portrait, Everywhere I Used To Be, is the perfect road trip companion for rounding out the dog days of summer.

Lingering over every handcrafted note and harmonic nuance, the prodigious Alberta songwriter inhales the scent of wild roses to cultivate tracks like “Driving Around” and “Shooting At The Moon.” She also turned to seasoned producer Marcus Paquin, who used his experience working with acts such as The Barr Brothers, Arcade Fire, and The Weather Station, to aid in nailing down her galloping hooks and half-sarcastic autobiographical expositions.

Steeped in heartland rock and backed by “some of Canada’s finest session musicians,” Buckley’s lyrical confessions reveal a new depth of intimacy and frankness of disclosure untouched by her previous efforts. Each reflective movement and chorus breathes with a natural sense of freedom that is matched by Buckley’s soaring voice and spirited guitar work. An admirable and comforting affirmation of scars well-earned and riches yet to come, Everywhere I Used To Be delivers undeniable melodies that inspire visions of rolling wheat fields, lush valleys and “Neon Blue” skies.