Squids, Baby God, and Lords of the Opium Church
Squids
Squids // Self-Released
Living in the same city as Squids, I remember when they broke into the scene. Countless people were telling me I needed to check out this new band. For some reason, for what seemed like an eternity, catching the jazzy four-piece psych group always eluded me. So after every great set Squids would play, I’d have to spend the next week hearing a plethora of friends talking about their live prowess and get shamed for not having seen it yet. When the chance arose between a sound check and set at Sled Island 2019 to run across downtown Calgary for a chance to finally see them, I hauled ass to get front and center in a packed Palomino. Sure enough I left that set with my jaw dragging on the floor in awe. The immense talent of each member along with the unique blend of synthy electronics and a jazzy rhythm section had me frothing for more. Nearly two years I had to wait to finally hear the mastered ability of Squids on record in its full glory, and on the first listen I was taken right back to that moment in awe standing front row at The Palomino. I could almost smell the ribs (best ribs in western Canada... shoutout to The Palomino).
The bands debut LP Possijams intricately fuses neo-jazz sensibilities with electronic experimentation and Edmonton homeage. Titles like “King of the Henday” and “True Religion Gene Principle” give nods to two Edmonton staples, its long winding ring road and the cities one and true hero, long time Oilers game host/commentator Gene Principe. “King of the Henday” opens the album with spiralling guitars before breaking out into jazz instrumentation akin to the likes of Bad Bad Not Good. Spaced out vocals take over, complimented by shimmery synth flourishes, giving way to the final exit turn of the outro as the band gracefully lets you down at your final destination.
While sonically cohesive, Squids tactfully produce new vibes track by track. “Tattoo Frogs (Weightless Ride in a Silly Sac)” takes the vibes to a new space. Largely centered around a repeated synth arpeggio, the opening verse marks a moment of beauty on the record. A delicate vocal melody is spaced out and juxtaposed with overlapping chants. The track rises to its breaking point where a weightless walking bass line gives the track a feeling free of time as textured synths build an ambience above.
Album highlights “True Religion Gene Principle” and “Popadynetz” mark high points on the album. Both tracks take on more traditional compositions and structures while maintaining a definitive pop hit feel. Despite these tracks taking a more traditional approach, Squids make their mark on the tracks with expensive breaks that flex their spacey psych sentiments.
Squids sound like the music playing in the change room of a store you don't feel cool enough to be in. The album is full of interesting textures. Everything flows with nothing shocking or jarring. The vocals act as another instrument, never taking too much space. The ambient breaks and interludes gently glide you through to the next song.
Over the last decade Edmonton has had a strong tradition of jazz leaning bands breaking through into the indie scene. Artists like Renny Wilson (Sugarglider era), Mitchmatic, NEK Trio, High Tides and more recently, Good Information. With Possijams, Squids make their mark on that tradition and lead the way for the new era of Edmo-psych-jazz.
- Kennedy Pawluk
Baby God
Another Suffer // SHEESH
The latest cold snap has had me feeling less than my chipper self. I’m tired of -40 with a windchilI. I do have a tendency to get a little sad in the winter. I get in moods and contemplative states. Anxiety tries to steal my joy... then I put on some music and all the worries seem to slip away. I found the right album for this current mood. Something new by Baby God, titled Another Suffer. Just the right amount of warm blanket, coffee, with a sleeping cat beside you. It’s cozy and perfect. I can drift away now.
This Indie/Alt/Folk duo comes to us from the beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Baby God consists of Nathan Gill and Andrew Murray. Together they create their own blend of harmonies and acoustic sounds with a simple drum machine beat to keep time. The stripped down Charlottetown sound as they’ve described it. Another Suffer is their second full length album. Recorded in February of 2020 and released a year later on February 19th, 2021. A few years in between from their first self titled album, but let me say this….
Another Suffer was definitely well worth the wait!
Baby God had a very organic way of songwriting for this album I’d like to mention. Written at a kitchen table, with guitars and notebooks traded back and forth, this gem of album was created. It’s lightness and quiet contemplating are quite captivating. Written, performed, and produced by Baby God. Mastered by Colin Buchanan at The Hill Sound Studio in P.E.I.
“Insane Now” begins the album with an old Cinematic intro music clip... I had just finished watching King Kong and somehow it seemed to make for a good transition. Then the music commences. Drum machine keeping a simple beat accompanied by some bright acoustic guitars and lyrics like “Holy shit what a view!! Wipe the dirt from your eye”. Though things really are “Insane Now,” this song has a very calming effect for the insanity we are currently living through. Bring the focus back to nature.
“Life of the Party” continues the light, and breezy vibe. The nice blend of strumming surf rock, airy acoustic, and a giddy up beat. Their voices harmonize and blend just as well as Simon and Garfunkel. The chorus has me “lost under a blue wave” and I’ve gotten lost in the cinematic clip this song ended with too. I love the nostalgia and the added old world charm.
“Any Colour” really tugged at my heart strings. The beautiful strumming then acoustic layering give a nice depth. The little chimes of tambourine now and again are a nice added touch. Though it may seem a simple humble song it is so full of feeling and heart. Many things are lacking these days but this track has a familiarity to it. Like remembering what it feels like to hold someone in your arms. Who is the ‘she’ they sing of? Perhaps Mother Earth or a beautiful maiden. Either way my heart is feeling this one deeply!
Baby God will surely bring you comfort and hold you in an embrace like the sunshine rays upon your face. Bask in the goodness and warmth of these sounds! Winter will be over soon.
Love Always,
Green Noreen
Lords of the Opium Church
Lords of the Opium Church // Self-Released
It’s rare for a new band to hit the scene that can attract audiences both old and young, but this is certainly the case with Edmonton’s new Stoner Rock trio, Lords of the Opium Church. The electric group has a perfect start right from the gate with their self titled album, boasting their old school rock and roll influences proudly, while still being accessible to younger audiences who stumble across the masterpiece! Jordo LeMoine displays his musical chops in the form of his smooth guitar shredding, his impressive vocal abilities that are reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne, and his enchanting lyricism. Terry Paholek rocks the bass and covers backup vocal duty, but his contributions to the band also include the mixing of the album. Rob Lawless take his spot in his office behind the kit to add some seriously spicy drum beats that bring these songs to another level. Rob also did the tracking for the record, which gives the band a level of independence that is hard not to be jealous of. The self titled album also features instruments such as keyboards, violin, cello, stand-up bass etc. Which adds a spooky atmosphere that is hard to be replicated had they simply used samples. It’s difficult to put into words the talent and creativity that Lords of the Opium Church possess!
The album starts off with a haunting violin that will have you thinking you’re about to watch a horror film, which transitions into an epic stoner rock anthem! I love the subtle but impactful use of keyboards on this track. The next song has my favorite title on the album, “Trial and Terror", and is about the morbidly fascinating Salem Witch Trials. The track starts with a wicked guitar solo, packed with pure rock and roll attitude, then turns into a slower jam that begs to be sung along to. The speed is picked up when we get to “Left Behind”, a song that pays homage to Motorhead with it’s thrilling guitar work! Rob shows off his Punk background with a blistering performance on drums, and Jordo displays his vocal chops with some impressive high notes. The pace get slowed down in classic Stoner Rock fashion with “Thunderhead", where melodic riffs and solos, and catchy vocal melodies ensures the song will stay stuck in your head until the end of time. The string instruments played at the end are performed by the band Night Howl from Edmonton, adding more mystique and atmosphere to the record without the need of sound bites. Up next is “Electric Temple”, which is a fun song written about a bar in Montreal, but if you have been to enough rock venues, it is a relatable song no matter where you are in the world. This is another track that features hints of keyboard, an idea Terry had to give the track a church organ feel to it. The next song is my personal favorite song on the album, and it is called “Superstitions”. The slamming rock and roll riff right off the bat is an instant burst of energy, and that vibe is carried through out the whole song! The theme of the song is quite apparent in the title, covering all sorts of superstitions held by different cultures around the world. A perfect follow up is the hectic whirlwind “Caged". Another song that starts off with a captivating and chaotic riff, leaving you dancing and headbanging all at the same time! Jordo let’s the track breathe without vocals for over a minute, then comes back with powerful and melodic chants to bring it all together. Finally we have the epic closer, “Banshee", displaying the bands doom side, while avoiding testing the listener’s patience by not staying too long on any one part. The church bells at the start and especially the finish put the cherry on top of this spooky thrill ride in the form of a nostalgic rock n roll album.
Any band would be lucky to have such a solid release for their first record as Lords of the Opium Church have had, and this is only the beginning for the electrifying trio! I look forward to the day I can see these guys rock the stage, as well as the release of another LP!
- Justin Olson
