Friday, March 19, 2010
Contest:: Win 2tix to see Metric + CD
After winning the hearts of fans and critics with the release of the Polaris shortlisted Fantasies, Metric hasn't exactly slowed down. They are touring the shit out of the record, about to drop a collection of B-sides and pulling down awards like Moses Malone pulled down rebounds. I know the band is divisive. Ican't think of another indie rock band (that is still indie) that causes more debate among music lovers; "they are too popular", "they are overrated", "they are my favorite band". Nothing you hear about the quartet seems shocking, but I'll be honest, Fantasies is as solid a collection of singles as I've heard in a long time, and the band dares to be great and is willing to accept the backlash that comes with trying to be more than just another band.
Anyway, they are bringing their dynamic show to Halifax with the The Arkells, the scruffy, Hamilton outfit that has been known to burn stage after stage to the ground. The show is April 14th @ The Cunard Centre and even though you can still get tickets here, at $39.50 a pop, taking advantage of the chance to get two tix and a copy of Fantasies just makes sense.
We will draw the (3) - that's right, three - winners on March 26, so enter now by sending us an email (HEROHILL AT GMAIL DOT COM) or leaving the details in the comments section down below. Good luck, and here's Metric busting through a cover of The Strokes track, The End Has No End, just to get you excited.
MP3:: Metric - The End Has No End
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/metric
WEB:: http://www.ilovemetric.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Reviews:: The Consulate General Person Number
That's why when Alex sent over his solo work - under the moniker The Consulate General - it wasn't surprising to hear that he took another step back from the minimal electro-pop his creates as a member of Boy in Static. Gone are the stabbing strings and uptempo, intricate programmed beats that grabbed your ear and without question, the journey he makes as The Consulate General, albeit just as meticulously arranged, seems more personal and introverted.
The record moves at a reserved pace, almost as if Chen is afraid to speed his gate and miss something. From the opening moments of What Time is it Now - the terrific duet with Antoine Bedard (Montag) - until the closing note, Chen uses playful instruments like the triangle, toy pianos, and chimes to support his vocals, strings and programming, but never gives in the temptation to crank up the BPM and rely on energy to win over the listener. The result is you have a chance to focus on the incredibly personal admissions he offers up (Have You Seen My Girl would get lost without the melancholic composition he attaches to it).
That's not to say he doesn't fuse tracks with enjoyable juxtapositions that will charm his audience, he just approaches the conquest in a more one-on-one way. The strings he throws into the IDM heavy 65 or Older gives the track a symphony feel that carries over nicely to picked strings that balance out the heavier bass he experiments with on Half-Day Honeymoon and the delightful Sweet Solano, but the songs won't transfer to party atmospheres or even sunshine filled day. No, Person Number is created for headphones and uses (and almost requires) all 13 songs to let Chen express himself and draw you in, and while understated the results are interesting, accessible and surprisingly engaging.
MP3:: The Consulate General ft. Montag - What Time is it Now
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/theconsulategeneral
WEB:: http://www.theconsulategeneral.com/
Labels: Montag, Music, Reviews, The Consulate General
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee:: Soft Copy
It's hard not to get nostalgic as Thrush Hermit preps to descend on Halifax in a mere six days. Not just for the band, but for the time and most importantly, the feelings we all took from those angular guitar anthems that seemed so plentiful only 5 years ago. Thankfully, as more and more acts hold onto the "quiet is the new loud", there are still a few acts like Toronto's Soft Copy that plug in and give fans heavy tracks with a sweet, pop center.
This three piece eschews superfluous layers for straight forward bass, drums and guitar anthems. They crunch, chug and shimmer, but the powerful trio writes hooks and choruses that keep you singing along. Vicious Modernism is the type of record that could have shaped your musical personality back when people bought records hoping to find something to hold onto, not just download and discard with little thought.
Even outside of the record, which is worth grabbing as soon as you can find a copy, First Date is one of the catchiest songs I've heard all year. Starting with soft drums, the shimmering guitar notes dance nicely before the band explodes into a driving hook. Timing out after an all too brief 2:26, this songs shows that Soft Copy isn't going to let guitar rock die... and for that we should all be thankful.
MP3:: Soft Copy - First Date
MP3:: Soft Copy - Extracurricular
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/softcopy
Labels: Best-of '10, Music, Soft Copy, Sunday Morning, Toronto
Friday, March 12, 2010
Reviews:: Walter Schreifels An Open Letter To The Scene
So when criminally underrated rocker Walter Schreifels (Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools and Walking Concert) decided to name his latest LP, An Open Letter to the Scene, it could only go one of two ways. Thankfully, instead of an angry rant to the kids of today, this letter reads like a "how-to" for any artist looking to tackle the indie folk rock scene.
Walter has seen more than his fair share of things in the 20 years he's been writing music, and An Open Letter To The Scene shows him aging gracefully without losing his roots. He looks back with a fondness - interesting reworks of Agnostic Front's Sucker City and Don't Gotta Prove It (a song he wrote for CIV) fit perfectly into the record, as does the nostalgic title track - but the record never gets stuck in the past. He manages to add just enough muscle to keep his long time fans happy, but witty tracks like The Ballad of Lil' Kim, touching tributes (Arthur Lee's Lullabye) and reflective moments like Shootout keep Walter's songs fresh.
In the end, Walter accomplishes everything you should with an open letter and more importantly with a solo record. His opinions are presented clearly, without needless screaming or vitriol, but never is the music sacrificed for the message. An Open Letter to the Scene is full of thought provoking observations, hope but the quick hitting 30-minutes are hook laden and always enjoyable. Bloggers and cynics take note; when a seasoned pro takes the time to deliver a piece of art, instead of rushing through a "me first" exhibit, we all win.
Walter Schreifels — Arthur Lee's Lullaby from The Town Pump on Vimeo.
MP3:: Walter Schreifels - Arthur Lee's Lullaby
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/walterschreifelsmusic
BUY:: http://www.bsmrocks.com/main.html
Labels: Music, Reviews, Walter Schreifels
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Swing an EP in my jeep:: Dark Mean and Dave Norris & Local Ivan
A few EPs have been occupying my time lately and there are only so many hours in the day in which I can write about music. Rather than offering up a few lines to each in truncated posts spread out over the week, I decided to go all Uncle L and deliver and ep of (free) EPs.
Dark Mean - Music Box EP
Last year, this Hamilton band came out of nowhere with one of my favorite EPs of the year. Frankencottage was a crazy fusion of banjo, electronics and tempo that made it impossible to sit still whenever songs like Happy Banjo or the title track came on my iPod.
This time around, the band is using the same elements but experimenting with a darker, denser sound. The title of the closing track (Dark Banjo) is probably a give away of the emotional state they now reside in, but when you listen to the four songs on this EP you can't help but think the band has grown up emotionally in the last year. The songs don't run with the recklessness and freedom of youth; no the horns and piano, group vocals and restraint travel with the songs like the weight of heartache.
The arrangements are more intricate, and as a result, less immediate. The banjo that danced in and around the electronics and heavy kick drums now meshes with more sombre tones. Instead of chair dancing whimsy, Music Box finds the band testing their limits. The country-fused Acoustic and orchestral melodrama of Piano & Beat will shock fans of their last record, and honestly, this EP is one that will probably take time to grow on you.
That's not to say the songs don't stack up to their previous efforts; Dark Mean is just coming from a different place this time around. The smiles and darting electronics bouncing around your headphones have been replaced by sadness, but, as we all know, life isn't smiles and sunshine and music shouldn't be either.
Dave Norris & Local Ivan - No Scuttle
Admittedly, I'm new to Dave Norris and his musical endeavors but the Ottawa native strides forward with a confidence all too often lacking in today's music scene. In ten-minutes, he gives you four songs that grab you on first note and show how much potential Dave's new set-up has to offer.
The flowing melody the band delivers on Whatever's Wrong With Heather is a terrific hook (rim-shot please!) to kickoff the EP and the percussion and synths that bulk up the catchy Look Out! show how crucial the support from Local Ivan is to the results, but it's Dave's voice that holds everything together and moving forward. The change of pace and gradual build of Jack Nicholson shows the control the band has over their sound and the use of electronics, strings and warbled synths on No Scuttle probably shouldn't fit in with the other three songs on the EP, but it's just a rewarding as any other song.
Four songs and ten minutes is not long enough to really gauge how Norris & Local Ivan will work together as a full course meal, but as an amuse bouche, No Scuttle should get music fans salivating accordingly.
Last year, this Hamilton band came out of nowhere with one of my favorite EPs of the year. Frankencottage was a crazy fusion of banjo, electronics and tempo that made it impossible to sit still whenever songs like Happy Banjo or the title track came on my iPod.
This time around, the band is using the same elements but experimenting with a darker, denser sound. The title of the closing track (Dark Banjo) is probably a give away of the emotional state they now reside in, but when you listen to the four songs on this EP you can't help but think the band has grown up emotionally in the last year. The songs don't run with the recklessness and freedom of youth; no the horns and piano, group vocals and restraint travel with the songs like the weight of heartache.
The arrangements are more intricate, and as a result, less immediate. The banjo that danced in and around the electronics and heavy kick drums now meshes with more sombre tones. Instead of chair dancing whimsy, Music Box finds the band testing their limits. The country-fused Acoustic and orchestral melodrama of Piano & Beat will shock fans of their last record, and honestly, this EP is one that will probably take time to grow on you.
That's not to say the songs don't stack up to their previous efforts; Dark Mean is just coming from a different place this time around. The smiles and darting electronics bouncing around your headphones have been replaced by sadness, but, as we all know, life isn't smiles and sunshine and music shouldn't be either.
MP3:: Dark Mean - Piano & Beat
WEB:: http://www.darkmean.com/
D/L:: http://darkmean.bandcamp.com/album/music-box-ep-2010
Admittedly, I'm new to Dave Norris and his musical endeavors but the Ottawa native strides forward with a confidence all too often lacking in today's music scene. In ten-minutes, he gives you four songs that grab you on first note and show how much potential Dave's new set-up has to offer.
The flowing melody the band delivers on Whatever's Wrong With Heather is a terrific hook (rim-shot please!) to kickoff the EP and the percussion and synths that bulk up the catchy Look Out! show how crucial the support from Local Ivan is to the results, but it's Dave's voice that holds everything together and moving forward. The change of pace and gradual build of Jack Nicholson shows the control the band has over their sound and the use of electronics, strings and warbled synths on No Scuttle probably shouldn't fit in with the other three songs on the EP, but it's just a rewarding as any other song.
Four songs and ten minutes is not long enough to really gauge how Norris & Local Ivan will work together as a full course meal, but as an amuse bouche, No Scuttle should get music fans salivating accordingly.
MP3:: Dave Norris & Local Ivan - Look Out!
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/davenorrislocalivan
D/L:: http://davenorrislocalivan.bandcamp.com/album/no-scuttle
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Contest:: Win (5) copies of The Burning Hell This Charmed Life
It's not surprising that an artist making the long, lonely trek up North would search his inner soul for inspiration. The thing is, when it comes to The Burning Hell's front man Mathias Kom, I'm not sure he's ever held anything back from his audience. He had long since found alienation and loneliness so instead of a collection of songs offering up a glimpse into his most personal thoughts and fears, Kom's trip to Whitehorse just provided him new subject matter and settings.
What did change is how the songs were delivered. The Burning Hell has just released a tour only 12" (or downloadable record) - This Charmed Life - but instead of standing alone with his uke or with the support of his rollicking band of noisemakers, the record is Kom, his uke, the wonderful cello work of Darcy McCord, and the subtle electronics of Walter Bloodway.
Obviously, the journey affected Kom. The songs were born from random road signs and town names, cold nights and bus trips (including three moody, cinematic instrumentals written as he traveled up North) but it's the interesting arrangements that really make you sit up and take notice. Kom has always had a knack for using his sad baritone to draw you into the most bizarre lyrics, and of course that doesn't change (the record's opening line is "Robert, you're such an idiot", which sung by almost anyone else would leave even the biggest fan a bit suspicious), but the way he presents his thoughts certainly does.
Instead of uke picking, the opening number Robert's Bad End really builds from Darcy's slow bowed strings. It's a subtle shift, but gets you ready for bigger changes. The second track - Don't Let Your Guard Down - is where things get interesting. Walter adds a pulsing heartbeat to the song and Kom's staccato delivery suits it perfectly. His backbeat transforms the oddly summery riff of Last Winter into a head nodding, windows down car ready ditty that I didn't think Kom had in him. The rest of the record is equally as enjoyable and surprising. Northern Life uses a darker, almost ominous electronics and string arrangement to push Kom's trademark word play and wit into the shadows. Honestly, Kom's clever metaphors and deprecating humor benefit from the modern textures his friends add to the mix, and make this EP/LP a necessity for fans of the band.
So, how can you get a copy? Well, we have 5 - that's right 5 - digital copies up for grabs and we will make this easy. The first 5 people to email us (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave their email in the comments section below will get a nice download code from zunior in return. Not a bad deal there folks, so make with the entering.
MP3:: The Burning Hell - Last Winter
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/mathiaskom
LABEL:: http://www.weewerk.com/
Labels: Canada, Music, Reviews, The Burning Hell, Weewerk
Monday, March 8, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Eli & Papillon
Instead, bands like Eli & Papillon work hard to force that connection on you. Elise's voice moves with an emotion and charm that helps you understand what she is saying, even if you only pick up a few words. Like a traveler in a foreign country, the romanticism you feel from catching the odd sentence as you walk by conversation after conversion puts you inside even the most personal admissions and helps you become invested in the broken hearts these two young artists bring to the plate.
But truthfully, even if you missed every word, this bedroom pop duo would still tug at your heart strings. It's hard not to hear the piano and Elise's charismatic vocals on L'aurevoir and not feel your heart beating along with the song. The song blossoms into a theatrical, almost magical effort but still manages to keep at least one toe on the ground.
For such a young act, the diversity they provide is impressive. Layers of strings, piano, guitar, bass and vocals mesh nicely - case in point the playful, uptempo Train de Vie (the laugh at the end just kills me or the swirling Un peu d'espoir - but they know when to strip everything back to the core elements as well. The piano and guitar pop gem, Une fois de trop is as straight forward as any track you will hear from the duo, but impact is surprisingly powerful.
I don't want to steep this review in hyperbole. The rough recordings of a bedroom pop act shows the band still has plenty of room to grow, but it's rare I get demos in the mail these days and instantly see the potential of a pop act trying to carve their own sound. Elise and Marc are certainly not interested in sounding like every other pop act out there right now, and that is the type of courage and creativity that can turn a bedroom pop band into something special. I for one, and excited to see where this ends up.
MP3:: Eli & Papillon - L'aurevoir
MP3:: Eli & Papillon - Train de Vie
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/elietpapillon
Labels: Eli and Papillon, Francophone, Montreal, Music, Pop, Quebec, Quick Hitters
Friday, March 5, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Madeline adams/Your Heart Breaks/Karl Blau Tour EP
Blau, and really the whole Anacortes scene - anything Phil Elverum touches, Ben Kamen, Your Heart Breaks and of course, honorary Washington-ians Julie Doiron and Fred Squire - have always managed to blend lo-fi aesthetic with warming textures and depth.
Back in '08, Karl, Clyde Peterson and Madelaine got together to record a special tour EP. Obviously, the tour only CDR was tough to get a hold of, so the pretty special six-song offering went largely unnoticed. That was until this press release came from Madelaine's camp:
In the summer of 2008, Orange Twin Records artist Madeline toured the Pacific Northwest with friends Clyde Peterson (Yr Heart Breaks) and Karl Blau (solo artist, Mt. Eerie, Little Wings, D+). While hanging out in Anacordes, Washington they dropped by a local artist collective called The Department of Safety to play around in Kevin Erickson’s studio.
Friends like Phil Elverum (Mt. Eerie) and Gus Franklin (Architecture in Helsinki) dropped in and out of the studio all night to play along on drums, guitars, horns and casio keys. The resulting Tour EP has all the low-fi charm you would expect from a k-records style production, which works as an amazing juxtaposition to Madeline’s bell-voiced love songs.
Honestly, the talent packed into that studio and on these songs is enough to get anyone to listen, even someone like me that had never heard any of Madelaine's previous efforts. The three trade vocals, with Madelaine taking lead on three songs, Peterson on two and Karl delivering a terrific cover of Richmond Fontaine's Post to Wire with Madelaine, but the songs fit together like the beginning stage of a jenga tower. The EP is full of warm, casio beats and strong vocals but it's the way the vocals still manages to shine through that helps the songs hit home. The purity of Madelaine's soars above the infectious programming, hand claps and acoustic flourishes on the catchy as hell Boy you loved to watch me cry and isn't just a perfect introduction to the Athen's based singer, but also to the project in general.
Carl follows up with Holding on, another keyboard driven sad song but the real standout on this EP is the beautiful I Waited All Day. The piano ballad gives Madelaine the freedom to let her voice grab the spotlight, but she's supported nicely by well placed horns. The three-minute track stings you like a jab to the heart and really makes me realize I need to get a copy of Madelaine's upcoming album, White Fang.
MP3:: Madelaine, Your Heart Breaks & Karl Blau - I Waited All Day
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/madelinesongs
BUY:: http://www.madelinesongs.com
Labels: Anacortes, Karl Blau, Madelaine, Music, Your Heart Breaks
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers
The thing is, Waits trademark voice is only part of the equation. The music that accompanies his gruff delivery is of equal importance. That's why when you find an artist talented enough to deserve the comparison - like Halifax resident Ben Caplan - you start to look past the powerful voice and fixate on the notes that accompany it.
Caplan and his talented band - The Casual Smokers - will undoubtedly garner review after review build around on his voice, but even when they deliver the roughest of bar room stomps, there is a surprising depth and musicianship to the songs. Stand up bass, classical trained strings (violin and cello), flute, sax and terrific use of call and response sing-along choruses all help Caplan and the Casual Smokers stand out from the masses influenced by the same sounds.
They recorded a few songs in The Chapel at the University of King's College in Halifax and mixed them the next day. Considering the tight time lines, the result - three songs: Conduit, Beautiful and Stranger - capture the energy of the band and show the potential of the upcoming full length they have slated for later in the year. The five minute Stranger finds the band moving at a restrained pace, heightening the tension before Caplan's voice explodes and dares the strings and flute to balance the effort. Beautiful shows what happens when Caplan opts for a smoother, more melodic delivery and shows the band is more than a one trick pony.
I know it's hard to judge a band on a recording session that was turned out for grants in less than 48 hours, but the interesting dichotomy works and this new band is the type of discovery that keeps us blogging. For those lucky readers here in Halifax, Ben and his band of noise makers are ready to tear up the tiny Company House stage on Friday night. I'd highly recommend showing up.
MP3:: Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers - Stranger
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/bencaplanmusic
Labels: Ben Caplan, Halifax, Music
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Plants & Animals:: Tom Cruz
The thing I've always loved about Plants & Animals is how they constantly push the limits of both fanatical and critical assumption. The band not only acknowledges, but willingly accepts the challenge of forcing people look past their varied mix of influences and think about their records as single entities that can only be digested after multiple listens. On Parc Avenue they not only got people to disregard their jam-heavy tendencies and quirky folk explorations, they had people regaling the sonic collages they built. Basically, the Montreal trio earned carte blanche to deliver another flavorful bouillabaisse of jazz, rock, and folk.
Instead, Warren, Matthew and Nicholas explode out of the gate with one of the heaviest, most muscular riffs they've ever recorded to tape. Tom Cruz still showcases the band's love of beauty in fleeting moments (the breakdown and harmonies that put the brakes on nicely at 2:51), but the core of the almost five minute adventure are the chugging bass lines, the stabs of guitar, drums and invigorating vocals. As far as excitement levels and expectations, Tom Cruz certainly puts critics and fans on notice. It's pretty obvious that La La Land - out April 20th on Secret City Records - isn't going to just be a subtle evolution of the same sounds we all loved two years ago.
MP3:: Plants & Animals - Tom Cruz
WEB:: http://www.plantsandanimals.ca/
Labels: Canada, Montreal, Music, Plants and Animals
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Reviews:: Moonshine Ramblers
"It was love, man. From the band. From the fans. From everyone."
While Haligonian bluegrassers, Moonshine Ramblers can't match The Avetts emotional narratives and heartbreaking balladry (although they try on Darkness and Stars), the love they show for the music they play is certainly on par. Their debut record - recorded live off the floor with some nicely executed vocal overdubs - finds the band paying homage to the past (Lonesome Road could easily be mistaken for a traditional number) in a modern, unique way.
Banjo picks dance around guitar licks, 60's era harmonies and a solid rhythm section, but the boys make sure that their appreciation of the greats doesn't result in a simple exercise of name the influence. Chicken Skull shows the musicianship is top shelf, as the harmonies are spot on, but it's the way The Ramblers slow things down with an almost sludge-y, guitar and stand up bass breakdown, before spiking the tempo back with a riff that would make the Duke boys proud. It might seem like a minor detail, but it helps the quintet from dating their efforts. The heavier tone they take on the United Steelworkers of Montreal inspired St. Stephen's Fire and the surge they deliver on Heavy Drinkin' Woman do the same.
But at the end of the day, this band is a bluegrass, banjo driven band and a talented one at that. With Old Man Luedecke getting ready to win the province (and the country over) with his claw-hammering, it might pave the way for this hardworking bunch of musicians to get back some of the love they give out.
MP3:: Moonshine Ramblers - Chicken Skull
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/themoonshineramblers
Labels: Canada, Halifax, Moonshine Ramblers, Music, Reviews
Monday, March 1, 2010
Reviews:: Greg MacPherson Mr. Invitation
Winnipeg native Greg MacPherson goes the other route. The opening single to his new record - Mr. Invitation - explodes into a muscular riff that heightens the intensity of his voyages. He reminds us about those first few exciting days of a trip when everything seems new, not the days that blend together as you wait for trains or fill long days by sitting in hostels or cafes.
The quick moving guitar really sets the tone for MacPherson's first record in over 4 years, one that focuses on bringing studio songs to the same excitement as his live sets. The charging pace of Backflow and Outside Edge are perfect examples. Instead of crafting stories that are best consumed alone, through headphones, MacPherson is determined to fine tune his sound to transform every moment to the heights of a live rock show. Even the personal, slow burners like and Visitor sear with an intensity that you associate with time tested narrators like Steve Earle and show MacPherson unafraid of displaying the confidence to write songs that speak to and for us all, not just for himself.
Mr. Invitation drops on March 30th, and I highly recommend you give the record the time it deserves.
MP3:: Greg MacPherson - First Class
WEB:: http://gregmacpherson.com/press/
LABEL:: http://smallmanrecords.com/
Labels: Canada, Greg MacPherson, Music, Smallman Records, Winnipeg
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee:: The Pack A.D.
The Pack A.D. has spent more hours in a van than motivational speaker, Matt Foley. Maya and Becky watch the odometer turn for hours, just so they can deliver tour-de-force performances for their ever growing fan base. The girls are fueled by coffee and an obsession with cranking the amps up to 11 and just giving it.
Basically, I have no idea how this gritty Vancouver two-piece found time to write and record, but they are getting ready to release an anti technology LP - We Kill Computers - on Mint Records and if the lead single is any indication, they may have moved slightly away from the swampy blues and decided to smack us all in the mouth with some straight up, heavy garage riffage. Not your standard Sunday morning selection, but with the huge US vs. Canada hockey game controlling 90% of Canadians thoughts, it will certainly get you ready to rumble.
MP3:: The Pack A.D. - Crazy
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thepackad
BUY:: http://thepackafterdeath.com/
Labels: Canada, Music, Sunday Morning, The Pack AD
Friday, February 26, 2010
Mike Bochoff - Horror Culture
The sheer volume of horrible acoustic songs dying to get put on display at open mic nights and house parties is overwhelming. Bottom line, buying an acoustic guitar is kind of like being able to vote; just because you have the power to exercise your voice, doesn't mean you should.
The nice thing is, for artists writing quality tracks, that volume of blah is exactly what helps them stand out. On the surface, Mike Bochoff might be using the same chords and is influenced by the same people as tons of other singers, but his new record - Horror Culture - just sticks. You start to hum the melodies and sing along on the choruses. You start letting the record repeat. Like any young song writer, the record is a bit top heavy and a bit too long but Bochoff certainly pens some songs that creep into your brain with little to no effort.
More importantly, instead of the same strums and power chords, Bochoff's experiments with sounds, instruments and textures (the Volcanoless in Canada-ish rocker The Dropout, like the more worldly sound on and the subtle female harmonies on the celtic folkish Broken Heart of Gold) helping cement that his potential is probably the most exciting aspect of this record. He's still trying to find his preferred voice; is he a working class, Irish hero, a fractured uptempo punker, a more fleshed out mature story teller? Only time will tell, but already Bochoff is a story teller above using default cliches to describe the everyday and one that keeps you listening. When its comes to a dude on an acoustic, that's the most important thing.
Plus, the video for Everything Burns is delightful. Playful marionettes and models completely contrast the song about an abusing husband and a woman fighting back and like many of Mike's songs, you find yourself just listening/watching intently.
MP3:: Mike Bochoff - Everything Burns
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/mikebochoffmusic
Labels: Canada, Halifax, mike bochoff, Music, Reviews
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reviews:: koAk - In the Sun
For NB's Ian Wilson - a.k.a. koAk - his preferred collage of fuzz, acoustics and drums has been evolving for years and stems from legends like The Microphones and Eric's Trip not Memory Tapes and Washed Out. KoAk's new record disregards a reliance on synths and samples, as Wilson adds to his structures with sonic blasts and distortion, but this time around, Ian and Meg expanded their sound by fusing in a slowed down surf rock feel to the appropriately titled, In the Sun.
Instead of beach side relaxation and sun bronzed, Dick Dale influenced shakers, the songs move at the pace of a lazy, sun-filled afternoon allowing the psychedelic tones transform the lo-fi tracks in something unexpected and transfixing. There are moments of jaw dropping beauty - the album bookends, Sleepytime (destined to soundtrack your night when the party ends and the sun starts to creep up over the horizon) and Delinelle (an opener that fulfils the crucial task of engaging you in the LP from the opening note) certainly standout - but koAK's liberal use of traditional sounds and mood prevents the dreaded blending of tracks.
They still offer up drone filled bliss, but even the muddiest of terrain - except maybe Highnoon Harmonica - seems to be free from clouds and shadows. The hint of warmth and some nice harmonies gives the songs a soul that powers through. The drums and feedback are simply used for support and embellishment, not distraction. In the Sun manages to surprise and excite you, but also relax you as the 40 minutes starts to wash over you.
Oh, and the band is giving it away for free.
MP3:: koAk - Sleepytime
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/koakrock
WEB:: http://koakrecordings.blogspot.com/
Labels: Canada, koAk, Music, New Brunswick, Reviews
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Reviews:: Steve Poltz - Dreamhouse
Sadly, that's not the case. This is our first post on the man and even though I thoroughly enjoyed anything I've heard from him and his charismatic live show, I never made the effort to put pen to paper so to speak.
The remarkable thing about the 50-year old, road warrior is how current his sounds can be. For a man that's been writing songs for decades and fine tuning his own unique style, Poltz's latest effort - Dreamhouse - isn't just a rehash of old tricks and finds him meshing perfectly with some of Nova Scotia's most notable names (Jenn Grant's - whose harmonies sound perfect throughout the record, David Myles and of course, Joel Plaskett). I know that shouldn't be a surprise considering that Poltz is probably best known for his collaboration with Jewel, but Dreamhouse really shows a mature song writer that is able to benefit from his experience and still try new sounds.
I'm not sure how much that has to do with Joel's input on production - from an outsider's ear, Digging for Icicles has a lot of Plaskett's signature sounds and how the pair interacts on License Plate Eyes is worth the price of admission - or just Poltz flexing his song writer muscle, but it really doesn't matter. Steve sings with a smile and an optimistic spirit as he throws in often hilarious word play (Wish the Wind) and lighthearted, airy sing-alongs (I Love What You've Done With This Place) alongside heartbreaking tales (Dreams #23 and Dog in Bosnia - which incidentally sounds like it could be a Tom Brosseau effort) and powerful instrumentals (A Song for Kosovo).
I'm not sure if Dreamhouse will change Poltz's status among casual music fans (a quick look shows that without the undying support of songsillinois.net, he's almost be ignored in the blog world), but for those that already know how enjoyable his music is, this record will be another gem in his sparkling catalog.
MP3:: Steve Poltz - Digging for Icicles
MP3:: Steve Poltz - Dog in Bosnia (Daytrotter)
WEB:: http://poltz.com//blognews/index.html
Labels: Music, Reviews, Steve Poltz
Monday, February 22, 2010
Best-of '10:: The Getrudes & PS I Love You - Sailor
From the outset - even when the band revisits the group harmonies and slow moving, multi-instrument melodies - you feel the difference. The song never relents, surging forward with strings, distortion and the support of their friends, PS I Love You. Over the six plus minutes, the harmonies and tradition The Gertrudes are built upon are still present, but the energy and angst the Kingston two-piece brings to the mix are vital. The final two-minutes swirl chaotically, adding a well timed boost that helps drive the track to the finish line.
The project itself is a fantastic meld of styles and bands. One 7" record, two songs and four bands. The Gertrudes and PS I Love You handle one side of the acetate while Muskox and Bruce Peninsula hold court on the other. I would suggest you order this fast, especially considering how well the last single PS I Love You recorded fared.
MP3:: The Gertrudes & PS I Love You - Sailor
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/theothergertrudes
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/psiloveyouband
Labels: Best-of '10, Canada, Music, PS I Love You, The Gertrudes
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reviews:: Zeus Say Us
It's hard not to push Zeus into the stratosphere after an out-of-nowhere EP that offered a brief glimpse at the heights they can reach. The retro-fueled quartet from Toronto has been working hard to find their sound; whether as part of successful and highly underrated bands (The 6ixty Eights and The Golden Dogs) or out on tour as Jason Collett's backing band, and as hard as it is to not build a comparison on another multi-voiced band that got it's start playing behind a great artist, it's even harder to ignore the obvious mythological tie-in to the power and status the band could achieve.
But for me, Say Us actually brings another classic tale to mind. Icarus was given the gift of flight thanks to the precision craftsmanship of his father Daedalus. Zeus too rockets from the ground with hooks, harmonies and melodies that are indebted to their predecessors (The Beatles, The Kinks and yes, The Band ). Don't get me wrong, the band puts their own, more muscular spin on the sweet sounds music lovers have gravitated to for years, and naturally, that swagger and confidence pushes band higher and higher. Sadly at times, Say Us gets too close to the sun, singing the tips of the wings that gave the band flight.
But unlike the classic tale of the impetuousness of youth, great music only comes from taking risks, especially when you find the ingredients in a cupboard pillaged by countless bands. Zeus thrives on a confidence and precision that results in a musical freedom and while Say Us might not be the start to finish transcendent escape we all hoped for, for the precious moments when they soar without fear or repercussion (How Does It Feel?, Kindergarden, and I Know stack up against any of the output of any Canadian band out there today), this TO quartet owns the sky and you realize with a bit more patience there's no limit to the heights they can fly.
MP3:: Zeus - Marching Through Your Head
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/themusicofzeus
LABEL:: http://www.arts-crafts.ca/
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Dog is Blue:: It Happens in Florida
Love; as far as pop songs go, pining over the perfect partner is glorified no matter how heartbreaking the end results actually are. For The Burning Hell's Mathias Kom, It Happens in Florida - a track from his terrific debut LP - shows that the shine of love has long been tarnished. The grandiose visions and hope of new love have been replaced by reality, and Kom draws strength from that. His simple strums and witty similes grow into a surging choral swell as Kom dares love to do it's worst, producing an unexpected anthem that even Pat Benatar could get behind.
When placed in the hands (and voices) of the playful Toronto duo, Dog is Blue, the mood of the song changes. Kom's Cohen-esque croon becomes an almost tongue in cheek take on the pains of love that is bound to surface when the studio you share with your band mate is also the the apartment you share with her. You can't help but picture Paul Watson and Laura Heaney trading smiles as they trade vocals. Synths and drums take the sting out of Kom's words and replace the mood with a surprising, albeit very enjoyable lightness (when Heaney takes the vocals and sings over Paul's funky blasts you can't help but nod along) . They may not share Kom's take on love, but they certainly respect his music and this tribute to one of Can-indie's most overlooked talents proves that.
You can pick up the entire EP - one new song, three covers and a remix - for the low, low price of $2.22 and sleep better knowing the profits go directly to the Daily Bread food bank.
MP3:: Dog is Blue - It Happens in Florida
WEB:: http://dogisblue.com/
BUY:: Buy from Zunior
Labels: Canada, Dog is Blue, Music
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Besnard Lakes - Albatross
The power and polish of this 4-minute song are hidden under atmospheric distortion and sunshine kissed harmonies. Instead of relaxation and lazy days, Montreal's The Besnard Lakes use the warmth as inspiration. They want you to get up and get moving, push forward and overcome. I'm not sure if the albatross is something they feel weighing around their neck, but if so, it's certainly not evident on this effort. Olga Goreas' vocals float alongside and on top of the surging wash and turn an overused symbol and an oft sampled sound into something beautiful, and more importantly, something liberating.
Check out The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night on March 9th.
MP3:: The Besnard Lakes - Albatross
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thebesnardlakes
WEB:: http://www.thebesnardlakes.com/
Labels: Canada, Music, The Besnard Lakes
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Boats Cannonballs, Cannonballs!
The band still displays some Unicorns-ish whimsy, kinetic energy and quirky, discount bin synth sounds - Drinking The Lake and Movie Scores; We Hummed for example - but Cannonballs, Cannonballs! finds Mat exploring more complex narratives and the band using bigger textures and taking some risks. I'm not sure if I could have predicted Mat and his rotating cast of characters crafting a beautiful electro pop gem like Smokestack & Lucy's Magnificent Cabaret last time out, but it's one of many highlights on the new record.
Interestingly enough, when their last record came out I remember Dave Ullrich saying that Boats was like Arcade Fire without the drama. At the time I thought he was off his rocker, but now the comparison seems very fitting. As I let TV Scientist fade into the heavier drums of Summercamp vs. The Fake Moustache Tree, feel the thump of Chrome Eyelids or settle into the catchy Our Athletic Friends I get swept up in the potential of this young Winnipeg outfit. CBCB! is only their second album, but they put together twelve songs that are powerful, but never attempt to be bigger than the instruments they use or the sounds they prefer. They don't throw on layer after layer hoping to impress you; Boats lets you feel like you are a part of the song, and slowly builds to a climax after hooking you in early. Plus, at the end of the day I don't think they'd ever steal my basketball.
MP3:: Boats - Chrome Eyelids
MP3:: Boats - Our Athletic Friends
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/boatthemusicband
Labels: Boats, Canada, Music, Quick Hitters, Winnipeg
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee:: The Sheepdogs
I'm 99% sure that traveling along the road of a modern classic rocker is almost impossible. People give anyone sounding like Neil Young or The Beatles a pass - not a John Mayer type of pass - but if you try to rekindle a love of Foghat people give you the gas face. Honestly, if you can actually find a classic rock fan, chances are they would always pick up a dusty CD from their shelf before heading down to a dingy club hoping to hear someone get it right when it comes to sampling from The Stones catalog.
It's also the one genre that everyone assumes bands attack with a tongue planted firmly in cheek, resulting in songs steeped with irony. It becomes easy to dismiss the effort as a novelty act, instead of a bunch of dudes just loving music that came from years ago and was made with guitars, bass, drums and keys instead of Mac Books and loops. That my friend, is too bad because when a band gets it right - like Vancouver's Lions in the Street - the results are enjoyable. An act that is right on the cusp of reaching that level is Saskatchewan's The Sheepdogs. Their latest record - Learn & Burn - is full of classic rockers with some soul and sepia-drenched keys/organ mixed in an encased in a giant cloud of sweet smelling smoke.
I can't say the record ever reaches that "classic" status for me, but I never question the band's integrity. These songs never feel like The Sheepdogs are simply pilfering from the past and that's why, even with the occasional mention of facebook, no one would object if you threw this record onto an old dive bar juke box and hit play. The recipe of guitars, drums and nicely executed harmonies feels legit, built on years of listening to the same songs and jamming out in the garage. You hear the familiar touch points - heavy in 70's southern rock and some Beatles-y riffs - but you also can tell The Sheepdogs are trying hard to carve out their niche in a genre forgotten by most people unless karaoke is on the menu.
When the band gets it right - like they do with the nostalgic anthem, I Don't Get By - you can't help but think back to a time when music meant something and the nights spent listening to it were the best nights of your young life. The band will be making a stop here in Halifax to burn the Seahorse down on March 3rd. Might be time to get your matching denim jacket and jeans out of the closet and rock out.
MP3:: Sheepdogs - I Don't Know
MP3:: Sheepdogs - Down By The River Louder (Neil Young)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thesheepdogs
Labels: Canada, Music, Quick Hitters, Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs
Friday, February 12, 2010
Contest:: Win limited edtion RAA vinyl from Paper Bag
I'm not sure I remember any Canadian indie band that grinded it out to achieve the success The RAA is now reaping. They spent a year touring the country, playing shows as a relative unknown, before catching a huge break when they were named the eMusic band of the month. We all know how it ended up; The RAA opened for Grizzly Bear, got signed to Saddle Creek, became everyone's favorite - including Stephen Harper - and days of them playing for about twenty people at Coconut Grove are long gone. But instead of getting big headed like Christina Ricci, the trio remains down to earth and three of the nicest musicians you will ever get to meet and you wish every good thing they've had happen to happen again and again.
Obviously, the good people at Paper Bag Records agree because they have decided to release a super limited pressing of Hometowns on vinyl... 180gram BLUE VINYL with a hand silk screened cover. There are only 300 up for grabs, so I'd suggest you enter now and pre-order before the stock runs out. If I was less honest, I'd rig this contest so the winner was me because Hometowns is one of those record you never get tired off, and as a Canadian indie fan, it's one that proves how talented the Canadian scene really is.
To enter, just drop us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave your email in the comments section below.
Here's a special little treat for anyone that hasn't gotten the chance to see RAA live in the last year or so. Nils usually throws in a heartfelt, kitsch-free take on Survivor's Eye of the Tiger and the band has added as a b-side on their 7". It's the perfect start to your day, no matter what day it is.
MP3:: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Eye of the Tiger
MYSPACE:: http://www.theraa.com/
BUY:: http://paperbagrecords.com/shop/hometowns
Labels: Canada, contests, Music, Paperbag, Rural Alberta Advantage
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Babe Rainbow Shaved EP
I know a mid-level music blog isn't the place for political pontification, but I'm one of the few that don't see the two week athletic combination as a great thing for the city or the country. Without a doubt, Vancouver is the most beautiful place I've ever lived, but there's a darker side to Vancouver that once you've seen it, you can't ignore. It's all well and good to show off the best side of Vancouver and the surrounding areas, but people in the city are trying to sweep the unsightly elements (and the "unsightly people") under the rug.
That's why the release of Cameron Reed's - a.k.a. Babe Rainbow - Shaved EP seems incredibly timely. Instead of rays of sunshine reflected around the glass city and pristine mountains and ocean views, Reed's self described "surf step" sound moves slowly, hidden by the shadows. The songs take on the feel on the city and even though they might not be the picturesque images outsiders associate with Van-city, they are just as beautiful and more realistic (just listen to Tummy Sticks to hear what I mean).
By no means am I a dub step expert and any meaningful comparisons I try to come up would simply be an exercise in name dropping that would ultimately fall short, but when I sit down with this 7-song effort I get hit with a swell of emotion. The rubber band bass lines and echo filled drum claps that make up the foundation of Screwby are captivating, as are the atmospheric electronics that grab your ear on the opener, Popcommon. The gentle, uplifting feel Cameron subtly adds to offset the unsettling undercurrents and harrowing vocals of Care shows a complexity you might not expect in such stripped down arrangements.
Right now we all seem focused on showing the world what we have to offer, and musically that's just what Shaved does. Reed's unique spin on dub step is entrenched in the gutters of the city, but still manages to walk alongside the ocean side beauty of Vancouver, and really gives Canadian dub stepping producers something to strive towards.
BONUS:
Just so this post isn't all doom and gloom, it's worth pointing out that Babe Rainbow and Rico Uno have a pretty killer mixtape out as well. This collabo (with help from fellow Vancouverites, Basketball) is a bit more uplifting and melodic and shows another side to Reed's compositions.
Babe Rainbow X Basketball X Rico Uno - Proper Feeling
MP3:: Babe Rainbow - Screwby
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/bbrnbw
TUMBLR:: http://baberainbow.tumblr.com/
BUY:: http://warp.net/records/babe-rainbow
Labels: Babe Rainbow, Music, Quick Hitters, Vancouver
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Reviews:: Matthew Barber True Believer
Descriptors like effortless, timeless, and classic are easy to throw around but really don't equate to anything you can hold onto. At the end of the day - to bastardize a Miles Davis quote - music either makes you smile and tap your foot or it doesn't. It would be easy if saying that Barber's songs make you move was enough, but the undeniable shift in how we gauge song writers makes that almost impossible. Barber's influences are people that wrote songs for the masses, unashamed that their strums made people happy, dominated the radio and could be enjoyed by anyone that listened, so why should we not extend the same courtesy to song writers in the current age?
I guess in an ironic twist, Barber puts out record after record of songs that fit all of those qualifiers but you rarely hear his name mentioned among our nation's best. To be honest though, I think Barber is ok with that and if pushed, he might say that he'd rather his songs be compared to his predecessors instead of his peers. So when he and producer Howie Beck sat down to record True Believer and Barber says that he was influenced by Neil Young, Tom Petty, Al Green, The Boss and The Band, I think those names are listed as a sign of respect and a potential measuring stick but not a blueprint for his sound. Barber doesn't want to sound like them, he simply wants his catalog to stand alongside theirs. Even when he adds some summery Paul Simon-esque guitar and percussion, the song is still built on Barber's musical foundation.
That small but significant difference is why the stripped down melodies he offers on True Believer are so infectious. Instead of forcing comparisons, you simply settle into the record knowing Barber's sound is his own. With only some perfect harmonies and a picked guitar line, Barber captivates the listener on The Little Things. Even when he beefs up the sound, layers are added for impact, not novelty. The booming horns and strings that get you nodding on the title track or the banjo and finger snaps that catch your ear on Comeback Baby never detract from the guitar and vocals, they just complete the sound. The gentle swell of horns on Revolution of the Sun don't overwhelm you, they force you to focus on his words and feel his emotion.
The ten songs on True Believer show the trademark flexibility of his voice - it's hard to imagine another contemporary artist that can deliver a perfect road trip anthem (Hawks on the Highway) and still sound completely comfortable on the most spare arrangements (Suddenly) or sharing the vocals with his talented sister (@JillBarber) - and should help cement his status as one of Canada's greats. I guess it all depends if people are ready to say sounding like Matt Barber instead of the slew of artists on which we gauge every song writer is finally good enough or not. Hopefully you are, because I certainly am.
MP3:: Matthew Barber - Revolution of the Sun
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/mbarber
BUY:: outside-music.com
Labels: Canada, Matthew Barber, Music, Ontario, Reviews, Toronto
Monday, February 8, 2010
Reviews:: Aidan Knight Versicolour
The thing is while Dan is a bar room prophet, a man observing the human condition from the stool in the bar or restaurant, Aidan Knight comes across as more of an innocent, wide eyed poet. By no means is that a slight, as Versicolour effortlessly strips away the stress of life with each picked riff, vocal harmony (courtesy of the lovely girls in O'Darling) and subtle nuance that catches your ear as you listen to Knight's 8-song debut.
If I had to pick a single moment of Versicolour, it would be the gentle collage of banjo and steel that run alongside the summery guitar of Jasper, and the immediate release you feel. Be it the baggage of stress or heartache, it's hard to focus on Aidan's lyrics because the three and a half minutes transports you to a better time. It's impossible to see this song through Knight's eyes, as he paints a scene we all hold close. I'd say it's that freedom of youth, but that would trivialize the emotion he delivers. Some people find salvation singing in church, letting the sway of the congregation cleanse their soul. Aidan lets us feel that same relief just by triggering memories when life just made sense.
That's not to say this record lacks depth or maturity. Knight moves from sun to shade nicely throughout this quick hitting LP; the beautiful Altar Boys is heavy in melancholy, Knitting Something Nice For You makes a song about knitting like a metaphor for a heroine user and even the opening number, The Sun uses atmosphere and piano to set a darker tone before horns and harmonies brighten the affair) - it's just when his melodies float along Fighting Against Your Lungs, the songs tend to soar.
Regardless, whether he tends to look for the sun or relish the shadows, it's pretty obvious Aidan will be successful. I wouldn't bank on the astronomical leap his current tour mate has seen, but I'm pretty sure once people get their hands on Vescicolour and give the record a few plays, he's no longer going to be an unknown solo artist playing in support for other bands.
MP3:: Aidan Knight - Jasper
MYSPACE:: whttp://www.myspace.com/aidanknightmusic
Labels: Aidan Knight, Canada, Music, Reviews, Vancouver
Friday, February 5, 2010
Best local releases:: Bad Vibrations Bad Vibrations EP
Led by front man KC Spidle (The Hold, Husband & Knife, Dog Day), for the most part this three-piece is a wall of guitars, bass and drums; nothing more and nothing less. Topping out at 20 minutes, pounding chords and keep time drums (apparently, Meg had never played drums before the band started) are the backbone of most tracks (Got to Run, We're Dead and Care About Yourself), but when you really get into the 9 songs (well 8 really, as one is just an odd answering machine message) you realize there is something more to Bad Vibrations.
Harmonies and surprising melody creep into the chaos, and the band shows nice depth considering how new they are. Nowhere is this more clear than the harmonic, atmospheric opener Think About Life. The strums of the acoustic and echoing vocals that hover in the distance show that Bad Vibrations isn't just here to reproduce sounds that have been around for decades. No, Bad Vibrations want to form their own sound in a genre that makes it incredibly tough to do so. More importantly, this EP lets anyone born after 1980 that punk ain't quite dead yet, it's just grown up and left the mall behind.
MP3:: Bad Vibrations - Care About Yourself
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/bdvbes
BUY:: Buy from Zunior
Labels: Bad Vibrations, Halifax, Music, Reviews
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Matt Dillon's Soul Patch:: Old Man Luedecke Rear Guard
Honestly, I'm not sure if too many people equate Chris "Old Man" Luedecke and the idea of a traditional "single", but around these parts the Old Man is as much a Nova Scotian treasure as Schooner Beer and Peggy's Cove, so any new song gets us excited. He's a unique combination of story teller, melody, and wit that makes him an absolute delight to see live but a strong enough story writer to make a banjo record one you play until the grooves wear thin. He's also one of the only artists that get a thumbs up from both herohill writers AND our wives (Dan Mangan is one of the only others I can think of right now).
So yesterday, Chris released the first song (Rear Guard) from his new album, My Hands Are On Fire and Other Love Songs and naturally, it's amazing. Claw hammered banjo notes make a path for Chris' tales and within seconds you are hooked. The record - which is due out March 30th and will certainly be featured here closer to that time - is dyn-o-mite, with Chris fingers picking fierce melodies, but Vancouver's Steve Dawson's fingers doing some heavy production work. The duo has worked together in the past, but I really feel like Dawson pushed the sound and the banjo shares the spotlight with blazing fiddle, guitar, and drums and really makes an already great artist even better.
MP3:: Old Man Luedecke - Rear Guard
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/oldmanluedecke
BUY:: http://www.oldmanluedecke.ca/
Labels: Black Hen music, Matt Dillons Soul Patch, Music, Old Man Luedecke
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Reviews:: Ian La Rue & the Condor A History of Layers
Without typecasting the sound - especially after we found out just how diverse the sound was on our Manitoba mixtape - I've found a surprisingly high number of acts that effortless blend emotion, energy, characters and heart into surging anthems that make you move, even when you focus in on what's being said. Whether it's The Weakerthans, The Paperbacks (a band Ian shares a sound and member with) or new to me, but seasoned vet of several releases, Ian La Rue & The Condor, Winnipeg seems to be full of artists that pen songs tug on your heart strings, but sound better the louder you crank them up.
A History of Layers is heavy on sing-alongs and fist pumpers (Sanguine Cursive, Cadence) and slow burning ballads (A Crow's Flight, Altruist's Anthem), but La Rue never hides his narratives behind the music. On every song, you get the impression the words La Rue sings mean something to him, and as a result, they mean something to us. More importantly, no matter how much emotion the Winterpegger adds to his songs, he never drifts into the emo-esque emotional realm that caters to angst ridden mall teens and no one else. The record is accessible and easy, but has a depth you don't get from people that haven't experienced life.
La Rue's songs move with a sense of purpose. The undercurrents that run through the record's narratives (fear is the one that you get hit with most often) are matched with atmospheric undercurrents that add drama and electricity to even the most restrained of songs. The B-side of the record is slowed in pace, but the Condor (his band) really thickens up the mix and keep things interesting. The nicely executed slow build of the penultimate track - And It All Comes Down To This - is heavily influenced by Death Cab for Cutie, a band La Rue sites as a potential jump off point for new fans. A History of Layers may never reach the heights of Gibbard's best work, but it certainly fares well enough to warrant the comparison.
MP3:: Ian La Rue & the Condor - Sanguine Cursive
MP3:: Ian La Rue & the Condor - A Crow's Flight
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/ianlaruemusic
BUY:: http://www.ianlarue.ca
Labels: Canada, Ian La Rue, Music, Reviews, Winnipeg
