Ghost Woman, JayWood, and Dilettante
Ghost Woman
Ghost Woman // Victory Pool
Ghost Woman serves up fuzzy, desert-psych rock with the hazy soul of someone who has surfed the highs and lows of life, yet is only at the start of their career. Their self-titled latest album came out at the beginning of a summer heat wave and travels with me in my sun-warped mind. Surf rock, lo-fi guitars with a cynical edge, Ghost Woman lead, Evan Uschenko, brings love-lost lyrics into a mish-mash of gangly surf ditties, flowing grooves and hypnotic body movers.
After releasing the Lost Echos EP and sharing singles and music videos leading up to the July 1st, 2022 full length album release, I was grateful to be able to catch them at the Big Winter Classic music festival in Calgary in March before they headed off overseas for a quick run of shows. One of those shows being the Levitation Festival in France (originated in Austin by Rob Fitzpatrick, Oswald James, Christian Bland and Alex Maas of The Black Angels), which is the absolute perfect fit for the sound and vibe of the band. An upcoming August tour in Europe has Ghost Woman playing with Chad VanGaalen and wouldn't you know it, another perfect fit, Kurt Vile, as well as the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets at the Manchester Psych Fest in Sept. I'm only slightly jealous of that lineup….anyone up for a UK road trip in Sept?
Following the spirit of the slightly 60's, Laurel Canyon influenced psych outfits such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Black Angels, Evan and Ghost Woman have no trouble standing side by side with those names on the marquee.
- Mo Lawrance
JayWood
Slingshot // Royal Mountain Records and Captured Tracks
In describing this album, JayWood says it felt like he was making something that his younger self would want to hear. I think this is such a beautiful and reflective concept. To make music for yourself and for your own growth, along with sharing it for others to grow with and be inspired by as well, is something that I think is difficult to tune into. It is easy to get caught up in the expectations of a fast-moving industry, but to find some self in your work and present that in a genuine way is an impressive feat.
There is a groove, a vibe, an energy to JayWood’s music that entranced me immediately. This was something I knew I wanted to hear a lot more of, and a lot more frequently. The beats and synth accompanying the incredibly silky-smooth vocals, makes your body move and dance whether you want to or not. It is so much fun to listen to an interesting life story told in a bright, passionate voice. There is a nostalgic feel to “Just Sayin’ (ft Ami Cheon)” that brings a retro, techno edge to an otherwise R&B flavoured sound. Both of these are the tastiest music treats you can indulge in so there is no losing when vibing to this song. Sitting at work toe-tapping in my office or sunglasses on and windows down in the car, both settings are the perfect place to listen to this album.
Slingshot is a fun and exciting exploration of identity. Taking place over the course of one day, this album grabs your hand and tours you through the heartache, grief, and process of growing and finding oneself through all of the curveballs life throws at you. It is such a privilege to be allowed into the intricate mind and past of a talented artist like Jaywood. These songs give insight into his thoughts, beliefs, and experiences, while using the whimsy and irresistible aspects of pop and dance music.
The last thing I want to touch on about this incredible album is the artwork. It is absolutely gorgeous. The imagery depicted is somehow both fantasy and realism, calming and charged, natural and unnatural. I love the use of the colours and the soft yellow tones present throughout. The pop that the orange outfit gives is exactly the centerpiece you would want for an album cover, central yet not taking your eyes completely away from the surrounding art and creativity. This is a beautiful piece of work that not only is a pleasure to my ears, but a visual gift that I would love to display in my home.
- Krystle McGrath
Dilettante
Dilettante // Self-Released
Toronto’s newest indie-pop project, Dilettante, is here to bring you technicolor sounds, dreamy melodies and fantastic double harmonies with their self-titled debut album. Once you start listening, it will take you no time to realize that the energy, the dynamics and the groove are all present in the nine tracks in this freshly released LP.
Dilettante, meaning “amateur of the art”, is the semi-deadly-serious moniker of a quintet that reflects like a seasoned collective, only to laugh like absolute beginners. The band is led by versatile vocalists Natalie Panacci and Julia Wittmann. Their beautifully balanced voices are capable of blending impossible shapes and colours and producing luscious vocals that play a memorable role in the band. Taking care of the rhythm section we have drummer Bradley Connor, bassist Zachary Stuckey and keyboardist Candice Ng. Together, they will serenade you, they’ll make you dance and they will transport you to a happier place with their music.
Here is what you can expect from their first work together: The LP is full of dancy grooves, iconic synth leads, bittersweet harmonies and amazing arrangements that will elevate your spirit. Take a listen to the third track, “Bonnie”, an uplifting song that starts with catchy bongos, captivating vocals and an epic synth line that will take you high above the clouds. Another guaranteed banger is “Donna”; the fourth track blends guitar, keyboards and a killer bass riff that will make you sway your head from beginning to end. And if you are feeling a little retro, then you’ll definitely love the eighth track, “Connie”, a song with a nostalgic 80’s vibe and an awesome saxophone solo in the end that will put a smile on your face.
But what about the rest? There is still a lot more to discover in this album, but it is up to you now. Make sure to check out “Dilettante” on all the music platforms.
- Fel Gamarra
