Kiwi Jr., Sinzere, and Bibi Club
Kiwi Jr.
Chopper // Sub Pop
After bursting onto the scene just a few years ago, and fresh off a juggernaut of sophomore album, Kiwi Jr. pulled the blinds down low and turned towards shades of neo-noir for their third album, Chopper. Released just in time for Heat 2, the influence of Michael Mann flooded their studios as Kiwi Jr. went in search of a new synth-driven sound. For anyone concerned that they might be settling into a predictable rhythm, Chopper is here to prove that Kiwi Jr. is as dynamic as they are restless.
Despite their nocturnal intentions, I wouldn’t blame you for feeling the sun peeking through these tracks. Chopper reels you in with the vibrations of your favourite summer bops, but as you settle in, so does the darkness. These are the sounds of late-night debauchery, seedy alleyways, and empty subway cars. It’s like the moment you give up on trying to fall asleep and just embrace the insomnia, slip on your shoes, and walk out into the brisk night. Surely fighting against the incoming dawn is a richer experience than fighting to fall asleep, and Kiwi Jr. has provided the perfect soundtrack for it.
The roots of their sound can still be felt all over this record, it is certainly the same Kiwi Jr. that bore their prior sunny and cheerful albums. But rather than return to the way they have written and recorded in the past, Chopper was born from exploration of synth sounds – the spirit of which took them to places altogether richer than their previous records. This is a confident pronouncement that Kiwi has the chops to explore new sounds and do it well. Chopper bodes well for the future of the band. Their shimmer isn’t gone, but instead of a glint of sunlight off a crashing wave, it’s the shine of neon over rain-soaked streets.
- Clay Geddert
Sinzere
Tabula Rasa // Self-Released
Tabula Rasa is the newest LP from Calgary based rapper Sinzere. Earlier in the year I was so lucky as to see Sinzere perform at Sled Island in Calgary with her live band “The Tribe.” I was absolutely blown away by her June performance so needless to say I was excited for this newest addition to her musical ledger, and her debut full-length album certainly doesn’t disappoint.
The opening track, “The Mission,” opens with a very heartfelt monologue describing the significance of the number 13, which she goes onto describe as “Death to the matter, or to oneself, and birth of the spirit,” as well as personal attachments like taking 13 years to release her first album, and 13 tracks on said album, as well as Harriet Tubman -a heavily mentioned figure in the album- having accomplished 13 missions to free hundreds of her fellow people from slavery, as well as Sinzere comparing herself to Tubman; saying that every song on the album is a personal mission she is taking to free herself, and by proxy her brothers and sisters. The fuzz in the background then becomes foreground as we are launched headlong into an emotional track speaking specifically about Harriet Tubman and the hardships she faced in her mission against slavery.
Over the course of this album there are many topics broached, racism, colonization, religion, and the lack of integrity in the modern day. This album was really quite stellar all the way through, with my favourite track being “The Awakening,” this one felt particularly close to home, truly an inspiring song. Tabula Rasa is well paced, very well put together, soothing, energizing, and the perfect album to put on in the background as you tear apart the system bit by bit, and most of all, it is unboundedly sincere.
- Kaden Peaslee
Bibi Club
Le Soleil et la Mer // Secret City Records
As summer comes to an end, we find time to reflect. Reflect on the good times gone by and all the beautiful moments from the warmer months past. The end of summer also provides a unique opportunity to reflect on some of the excellent Canadian album releases we’ve enjoyed this summer. I’m reviewing the album Le Soleil et la Mer from the Montreal-based duo Bibi Club. Le Soleil et la Mer paints deep and colourful tapestries, filled to the brim with glittery songs that sway and move to an infectious beat. Bedroom pop at its finest and most enchanting. Le Soleil et la Mer is a record for anyone who's a regular listener of all things dream pop and beyond.
The duo launches into this release with the new single “Le Matin,” the lead single off their latest release, Le Soleil et la Mer. The group describes “Le Matin” as their “Scout song,” and the feeling captured by this song as “early mornings spent walking around our neighbourhood with our kids, not knowing our destination, but driven by a desire for something quiet and simple.” This release is an avalanche of soundscapes, at one time soft and honest, the next building to a strong torrent, ready to wash you down a dreamy river, lest you don’t hold on tight.
With kids at home, Nico and Adèle had to sneak away to make music: five minutes here, two hours there. The pair named themselves Bibi Club for the discotheque in their living room, where the couple’s bibis—their loved ones—come and dance. Accordingly, their songs imagine that a family’s everyday enchantments might be loaned to the dancefloor, to the nighttime, to a place that’s still thumping as the day breaks. Le Soleil et la Mer is highly honest, taking an intimate look at the Bibi Club writing process and how they move through a sonic space. Throughout Le Soleil et la Mer, Adèle and Nico set out to create music that is intimate, honest, sparkling with energy that animates even its quiet moments—and inspired by artists as diverse as Stereolab, Suicide, Alice Coltrane, and Tirzah. Le Soleil et la Mer invites music fans from various spaces to stop what they're doing, sit, listen, and stay awhile as the final warm sunny days pass into memory.
Le Soleil et la Mer is a deep ride on a dreamy bus, with thankfully several stops along the route to allow listeners with numerous opportunities to board the ride and begin their journey. A journey of discovery, expression, and celebration of fond thoughts and warm experiences. Le Soleil et la Mer is a great listen and a perfect match for any lover of dream pop or to act as inspiration for aspiring bedroom producers. I recommend Le Soleil et la Mer to Wild Nothing or Craft Spells fans.
- Earl D
