Juniper Bush/Black Thunder/TOPS
Juniper Bush
Healing Through A Sonic Figure // Transistor 66
In recent years, shoegaze has been developing a major resurgence and it’s no wonder why. The 2010’s saw reunions from many of the genre’s legends. Bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride all put out solid albums that didn’t lack, despite each of them having near 20-year hiatuses. This resurgence spilled into the influences of psych scenes across Canada with many bands favouring more “reverbed-out”, effect heavy, stylistic choices. Winnipeg’s Juniper Bush fall under this category. Their debut album Healing Through A Sonic Figure leans heavily into these influences producing a densely lush, hazed out album.
Somewhat of a Winnipeg psych super-group (comprised of members of Basic Nature, Black Cloud, Holy Void and Surprise Party), Juniper Bush’s debut is a congregation of driving fuzzed-out thrusts contrasted by beautifully spacious and light falls; skillfully utilizing the soft verse, heavy chorus tradition.
For those more interested in the heavier driving lineage of shoegaze à-la MBV will be thrilled with the albums opening three tracks “Hindsight,” “Foresight,” and Who Are You.” Each track satisfying the craving for driving, lush riffs; leaving room for reverbed-out guitar licks such as the lead on “Who Are You.” These tracks also provide a greater spotlight for Danny Hacking’s groove laden basslines in a genre where bass is often overshadowed by loaded guitar work.
The rest of the album’s catalogue largely showcases the more emotive side of Juniper Bush such as album highlight “Turn.” The track takes a more somber approach throughout its verses before rising into its hopeful chorus, imparting feelings of reflection and contemplation upon its listener.
Healing Through A Sonic Figure’s greatest strengths lie within singer Lizzy Burt’s cavernous vocals. Her voice largely shapes and leads the band’s sound, displaying her incredible vocal ability. Though her lyrics may not always be decipherable, her voice sits perfectly in the pocket of the mix often fusing with the impressive guitar interplay.
Juniper Bush’s debut album is a tasteful homage to shoegaze’s greats while still shaping their own unique space within the genre. Sadly, Juniper Bush had to cancel their upcoming release tour due to Covid-19, but keep your eyes out for replacement shows as the band puts on a fantastic live performance.
- Kennedy Pawluk
Black Thunder
La Fine Creata // Transistor 66
Regina rhymes with nothing.
It's a stupid joke.
I grew up there.
Them's fighting words.
I was introduced to Black Thunder in a small venue at a festival. The thing that struck me then, and still does, is I cannot understand what it takes to create music like it. I recall scanning the audience and seeing a mixture of knowing smiles, closed eyes nods, and open mouthed gaping. Now when I watch their gigs, I catch myself cycling through the three reactions.
Black Thunder has seemingly been together since 2009. They have over a decade of playing/rehearsing, countless coffees, numerous tours across cold prairies and treacherous mountain passes. Why do they do it? For the love of the process.
Tony ( Guitars, Synth, Vocals) remarked what a relief it is to finally have the release. La Fine Creata was recorded over two years ago. The band stands confidently behind the songwriting and production. The album was engineered, mixed and mastered by Chris Dimas, while Orion Paradis handled the vinyl mastering. The album's art and design fell to Jason Thiry. Black Thunder are pleased the latest creation is the best they've ever put out.
As an experienced Black Thunder listener, the enjoyment of La Fine Creata comes from all the subtle tricks they have brought into the fold.
There is a deadly slowdown in "Lack of Photons". The mathy breakdowns are now punched with organ and a triangle? The deep riffage of "Depersonalization" is accented with a chorus!?! Most noticeable has been the introduction of synth throughout. It is a welcome addition and sonic fold to the onslaught of Drums, Bass, and Guitar.
Black Thunder cannot wait to get back to the riff factory writing more riffs. La Fine Creata marks the inevitable evolution of an already sick prairie progressive rock/heavy psych institution.
- Drew Cox
TOPS
I Feel Alive // Musique TOPS
Before Lizzo popularized the flute in pop music there was Montreal pop darlings TOPS. Their new album I Feel Alive harkens back to the irresistible charm of their 2012 debut release (and personal fave) Tender Opposites, but arguably the production is cleaner elevating them to the next level of sophistication. Since then, TOPS has maintained themselves as one of Canada’s best sultry soft-rock acts for almost a decade now - continuously releasing material that remains fresh and contemporary. As well, they have transitioned from Arbutus Records to releasing on their own record label – Musique TOPS.
TOPS has a distinctive kind of sway to their elegant new age soft-rock. What separates them from the rest of the modern disco-esque 80s inspired acts out there today is their comely melodies and outré arrangements and of course the subtle magic of Jane Penny’s vintage voice and flute (specifically featured on “Direct Sunlight” and “Looking to Remember)”. TOPS continue to deliver and any fan would surely agree that “Witching Hour”, “Drowning in Paradise”, and “Ballads and Sad Movies” prove that the band is able to maintain their cleverness while elevating themselves again and again. As far as I’m concerned, TOPS are a modern-day Fleetwood Mac in terms of rock elegance. I’d bet a pretty penny (no pun intended) that their style and influence maintain its longevity in the Canadian music scene.
- Nicola Gunter
