Print Edition: March 21, 2012
Ketamines
Spaced Out
On the surface, the Calgary-based Ketamines seem like another reverb heavy and eccentric drug band that yearns to be like Deerhunter. Given, the name of their album is Spaced Out and the word ketamine means a hallucinogenic painkiller used only in emergency surgery. However, if you pay close attention to the composition of the album, you’ll find a set of solid songs held together by fluid grooves all recorded by a confident band. The album starts out loose, manic and garbled, evoking the essence of 1960s psych-pop, but Ketamines really hit their stride on Spaced Out’s second half, where their display of influences get surprisingly more varied. “Evil Intensions” is a Ramones-like three-chord assault on the listener; and “No Grand Design” has an upbeat surf rock groove reminiscent of Dick Dale and the Daletones. Ketamines boldly goes with the flow, as they run with their instincts to make what they do look easier than it really is. Their album is currently available for download on their Bandcamp webpage.
Julia Holter
Ekstasis
Unequal parts electronic pop, jazz and ambience, Julia Holter’s Ekstasis stretches her significant vocal talents through genre and instrumental experimentation beyond her first LP Tragedy from last year. Holter’s sparse soundscapes usually consist of not much more than a beat, her voice, the air and her voice again and again, layering and falling apart as songs progress and fade. Ekstasis’ frequent tonal shifts are at first take bizarre, but become the defining voice of the album; Holter isn’t content to let a song dwell in one register, exist in only languor or vocalization, and so Ekstasis’ tracks take on the feeling of electronic modular improvisation, one minute modern chiptune, the next holy worship (and then there’s “Goddess Eyes II,” which is essentially both.) Moving from the perfect pop opening of “Marienbad” through the pure contemplation of “In the Same Moon” to the winding concluding “This Is Ekstasis,” Ekstasis is an album where songs turn more unrecognizable, strange and wondrous with each listen.
Young Liars
Homesick Future
Stepping into the Vancouver music scene with their debut Homesick Future EP, Young Liars is looking to establish a place for their synth-heavy, New Wave infused pop/house mix. After listening to the seven tracks for nearly three weeks, it wouldn’t be unexpected to become a tad tired of their sound. But with Young Liars, that’s not the case. In fact, it’s the opposite. With Jordan Raine on lead vocals, his unique lyrical talent, and that superb synth, the band has found a unique place in the industry. The first track right off, “Echoists,” really shows what this band is about. With a tempo set perfectly, it highlights Raine’s penchant for leaning on influences from the ’80s. Of course, “Colours” is the lead single and acts as a showcase for the bands eclectic lyrics. Another standout is “Navigator Island” which is probably the calmest track, while my personal favourite “Newton, Forgive Me” is more of an anthem and would be great for the club scene. If you want to do yourself a favour, put this EP on repeat and just take in their unique talents.
Real Boys
Real Boys
The Real Boys’ self-entitled EP is full of high-energy, good-for-summer songs that will make you want to dance; listening to Real Boys is sure to make you forget those pre-exam blues. Within seconds of listening, the band’s chemistry can easily be heard in this energetic and carefree album. Their lyrics will not have you sulking in your last relationship’s despair, but rather have you thinking about all the random moments in life that have the power to put a smile on your face. Real Boys epitomize a group of friends having a great time at doing what they do best. Every one of the six songs exerts liveliness with original vocals and captivating instrumentals, which feature some excellent screaming guitar licks. These songs are definitely meant to be heard live, though; their energy is clearly restricted by the constraints of the studio. Fortunately, students will have a chance to hear them live at their EP release show at U-House on March 23 (free for students). Real Boys is sure to impress live music lovers.
