Bicycle Daze/Jay Sparrow
Bicycle Daze
Beyond the Fascination of the World // Independent
Saskatoon psychedelic alternative band Bicycle Daze released their debut album in the final weeks of 2020. On Beyond the Fascination of the World the group unabashedly leans into their style of mixing improvised jams with strong vocals and piercing lyrics. The five track release may at first sight appear to be an EP, but with a runtime of nearly 55 minutes there is no mistaking this release for anything other than a full-length.
Hard hitting, boisterous drums shine and maintain momentum throughout the album’s five tracks. The steady but innovative backbone allows for different tones and individual styles to be showcased while still keeping a cohesive sound. This cohesion is especially commendable considering the majority of the album was tracked individually by the band due to the pandemic. The extended instrumental sections on the album provide space for the band to express emotions using sharp thrashy guitar, thick bass, and dreamy thoughtful synth. While the soundscapes and surprising musical transitions are captivating, the vocals and lyrics never seem to be an afterthought. Nic Nibbs and Christian Klein take turns leading the vocals on the album. You can forgive yourself for thinking you’ve stumbled upon some 90’s Smashing Pumpkins when first listening to the opening track “Upside Down”. Nibbs’ intensity and grit are reminiscent of Billy Corgan at his peak - especially on the repetitive closing lyric: “tell me why I must go…” Alternatively, Klein’s inviting vocals lift songs to more of a pop-rock style, along the lines of Sam Roberts as heard on the impactful “Analysis Paralysis”. The distinct contrast between the vocalists is a perfect fit for this genre bending band.
Closing track “Big Machine” finds the band at their most playful - ending the heavier, intense album on a lighter and more encouraging note. That’s not to say that the track isn’t dynamic or massive, but it does leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. The hook is so catchy and the lyrics perfectly describe what many people are feeling at this time: “it doesn’t matter what you want, it only matters what you got, you’ve got to live within your means, or you’ll become a big machine.” With tracks stretching to over 15 minutes long - and the shortest track coming in at 7:22 - the band gives themselves plenty of space to change gears, jump into different keys and tempos, or build up an instrumental section until it sounds like your speakers may just blow from the wall of sound. “Big Machine” is a perfect example of disregarding traditional song structures. The song could have easily been wrapped up as a tight 3 minute 30 second radio friendly rock anthem but it is instead full of purposeful additions: like a one minute melodic guitar intro, a high-spirited saxophone solo from guest Brodie Mohninger and a repetitive one minute ending that bangs out with all hands on deck. Bicycle Daze demonstrates that yes, they could write music that fits the mold, but when you have a band full of five unique players with different stylistic tendencies - it makes perfect sense to honour those on a recording just like they would during a live show. Listening to the extended jams on this album will no doubt get you excited for live music to return but in the meantime Bicycle Daze have crafted a powerfully dynamic record that demonstrates they are a band with a lot of creativity and ambition.
- Greg Torwalt
Jay Sparrow
Let Wild Dogs Run // Break Pattern
I know it’s been hard not to give into the fears and the massive amount of madness in the media and current events in our world but I plead with you... you don’t have to participate in the madness. You can choose to take in the goodness of music and let that fill your days with a sweetness that no one can take from you.
I thank you 2021 for starting off the year with some amazing new music! I am feeling so grounded by the super sweet sounds of Jay Sparrow. His new release, Let Wild Dogs Run really has a soulful feeling a bit different than his previous project Murder City Sparrows from 2000 but I promise you it’s gonna pluck your heartstrings just as much as it did mine!
Jay flew the coop to pursue his own music and put out some outstanding recordings between 2008-2014, The Running and BlueBird. Also since then he opened up Sea Change Brewing Company in Edmonton and a second location in Beaumont. Why? Because it was such a hit... and everyone knows music and brews pair so nicely!
Let Wild Dogs Run was released by Jay Sparrow’s label Break Pattern in Edmonton. Recorded entirely live off the floor by old band mate Marc Jenkins on Vancouver Island. Recorded in an old dance hall for real amazing sound quality and ambience that truly couldn’t be captured had it been recorded to a clicker track. He’s crossed genre’s, took a more natural approach to his songwriting, and embraced the words that just fall out.
“The Rough Side Drag” was the heart string plucker I was talking about. Warm and toasty love song to snuggle to... Reminds me of that old married couple still in love. The one you hope to be one day. To have a lifelong love. I’ve been with my husband for 17yrs and married for 13. This last year has had us switch roles basically and he’s really stepped up to the plate to be homemaker and teacher to our 15yr old doing home schooling while I go to work. All with an injury too. That’s love... give and take. Gratitude, thanks, and learning to fall in love with each other all over and over again.
“Yr Maker” was my fast fav and has an intriguing music video for your enjoyment. Dark, haunting and sultry. It brings out the dancer in me. I envision a west coast swing so hot it’ll melt any winter snow and icy heart. Never seen a west coast swing... ummm you should! Typically danced to slower blues rock numbers. The language of music and dance have long been coupled. Music stirs a feeling in you to dance, express and release. It really stirs that feeling in me to bring out my dancing shoes again. Maybe do a choreography for funsies.
Also I’d like to mention Jay Sparrow does a beautiful rendition of Bob Dylan’s “It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry.” I can hear Dylan sprinkled in some of his other songs as well. That style of songwriting has a very natural texture. You can also feel and hear hints of Van Morrison, even Hosier. They have a song for Barry White too. Influences from some of the best I say. The perfect blend of folk/soul/blues to stay home and cook food or dare I say even to make love. This is deep soul and acoustic solid gold right baby! It’s got some bow chicka wow wow factor to it I’d say.
Take a listen to Let Wild Dogs Run by Jay Sparrow and let it keep you warm this winter! If you dig it show some support to the artist with a purchase/download of these sweet sounds!
Love Always,
Green Noreen
