Best Fern, The Radiant, and The Vanrays
Best Fern
Earth Then Air // Backward Music + Youngbloods
For some reason, I am always drawn to the genre-bending albums that slip in between the average descriptors and, somehow, I always find myself surprised to be at a slight loss for words when it comes to describing them. In this case, perhaps it was the wonderment of how Best Ferns is able to weave together the layers of synths, vocals, and acoustic instrumentation to create a blissful tapestry of sound. Perhaps it’s the way the tapestry honors and reflects the ambiance in which Earth Then Air was created. It becomes a shared experience between the artist’s and the listeners.
Earth Then Air was created in such a location that it couldn’t help but be influenced by it’s surroundings as Alexia Avina and Nick Schofield were in residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity. The pair seemingly explore the great Rockies through various paths and genres. From ambient and dreamy synth pop to whispers of modern day Psychedelic/New Age and, dare I say, Nordic influences. For instance, “Moon on Your Back” feels almost occult in the way it transports you to a forest filled with sprites in the night and leads you into a journey in and of itself.
Avina’s soaring vocals reach astounding heights and usher us through the textural slipstreams of the synths. The acoustic staccatos of the strings and piano found in tracks like “See Me” and “Evolving Tide” maintain a natural sense of groundedness throughout the album. The layering, blending, and manipulating of the two elements together create a blissfully new kind of experience that feels magical and simultaneously naturally organic.
Considering the fact that this is only the beginning for Best Fern, their debut album leaves us to only dream of what could come next.
- Frankie Undseth
The Radiant
Logical Steps // Self Released
Logical Steps is a fiery four song release that finds The Radiant fully stepping into stadium rock sounds. In addition to a 2020 Western Canadian Music Award nomination for Rock Artist of the Year, the Saskatoon-based band has been burning up the scene in the prairies with intense live shows and a string of singles. Logical Steps is the band’s first EP since 2019 and it demonstrates the musical leaps they’ve made since that self-titled release.
This EP is stacked with intricate guitar, bass, synth, saxophone, and heavy-hitting drums juxtaposed with moments of restraint and relief. The captivating vocals and sharp lyrics of lead singer & guitarist Mikhaila Anderson have reached new heights. Following a few whirling synth sounds, Anderson coyly creeps into the EP’s opening track “Clear” like the best possible mix of Karen O, Cat Power, and Amy Lee:“I feel so high / in the good eyes / your love in sight / then morning come…”. After nearly a minute of haunting vocals and synth, the band joins as they effortlessly transition into a heavy Dead Weather inspired rock song. Anderson’s rhythmic howling on the chorus: “Unpacking all of the action that all of my dreams are wrapped up inside” is reminiscent of something Jack White could have written for his synth-tastic album Boarding House Reach. “Clear” comes full circle as Anderson once again reflects in a soft voice: “I can’t decide, tell me, am I too high? Please morning come.”
The Radiant seems to pay homage to artists like Jack White, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, as well as Canadian legends like Alanis Morisette and Metric. Anderson's powerfully evolved voice demonstrates all the learning she has done over the years and her personality shines most notably on the single “9 AM”. Anderson delivers a head-turning EP highlight halfway through the song as she steps back from her full voice and jumps into falsetto: “Mama says cleanse your soul / you got to get that shit out of your life / the only thing that you might find / is that you’re actually happy”. Introspective lyrics like these are weaved throughout Logical Steps as Anderson muses on the most rational ways to move forward in her life.
The EP’s final track “Smooth Parts'' is an early contender for favourite song of 2023. Its lyrics reference golf…GOLF! How many rock songs do you know that can pull off lyrical references to golf while still sounding bad-ass? Anderson is an avid golfer when she’s not singing killer rock songs: “Make it up on the back nine / try to shoot straight but I hook right / keep your eye on the ball / I hope you’re looking baby / because I lost sight… It’s alright with me when we hit it out of the park / close to the pin / drop it in / let’s get into it!”. The song closes with a sick saxophone solo before Anderson ends with the assured statement: “Can you see / what will it be / this is the life I lead.” Does this song riff on Bloodhound Gang’s 1999 hit “The Bad Touch”? Perhaps…or maybe my ear is simply listening for any musical references I can find…but regardless, The Radiant is touching on all of the right influences in a time when everyone is obsessed with the trends of the 90s and early 2000s. This doesn’t mean they sound dated or like copycats – not at all. This is a band that is able to reference music that inspires them while still presenting a fresh, fully realized sound. This tight four song EP will hold you over until The Radiant is ready to take their next steps.
- Gregory Torwalt
The Vanrays
Put It Out // Self Released
Vancouver’s very own The Vanrays are bringing back the motown vibes to the city with their debut record, Put It Out. With ten songs, this album is full of uplifting riffs, epic horn sections and catchy grooves that will get you moving all the way.
The Vanrays are a group of experienced musicians united by a collective love of soul, funk and R&B classics. Led by vocalist Spence McKinnon, the band has been packing dance floors with their energetic performances since 2016 and their latest release only confirms this band’s true passion for music and song-writing.
From beginning to end, Put It Out delivers a well crafted soulful musical experience. The opening horns in the first track, “Lovin’ Man”, will grab your attention and turn it into pure energy once the rhythm section kicks in. The second track, “Shake My Hand”, sounds like it came out straight from a 60’s spy movie with McKinnon’s powerful vocals followed up by a spot on guitar solo. Another memorable tune in the album is the sixth track, “One More Chance”. It has a very summery feel with great vocal melodies and twangy guitars that make you want to be outside, under the sun, enjoying some live music. And just like every dance session has a good slow song to groove to, this album has “Made It”, a sexy tune with smooth vocals, dreamy keys, delightful trumpet melodies and a psychedelic guitar solo that simply elevates you.
The Vanrays really captured the essence of an era in Put It Out. There’s a great balance between sounds and energy in this record that makes you want to move, dance and enjoy. Make sure to check out the full album on all music platforms.
- Fel Gamarra
