So, just to let you know, bands like Vancouver’s Brasstronaut are why we have umbrella terms like “indie.” The guitar isn’t front and centre for most songs—it’s a pretty even blend of guitar, piano, clarinet and trumpet. Yeah, really. They aren’t a jazz band, though the middle of “Lo Hi Hopes” gets pretty Dixieland. The closest thing we could put them beside are Clues or Islands (though they strangely don’t resemble a spec of the Unicorns); they have sometimes quirky, sometimes intimate, and sometimes self-effacing lyrics over overreaching chord progressions, heavy emphasis on acoustic instruments. With a stand up bass too, yet. The thing sounds like it could flip to a cheesy adult-contempo record around any bend, but Edo Van Breemen’s indie rock voice keeps things in check and instead, every song becomes a tiny journey. “Hearts Trompet” becomes a more grandiose ballad with every passing minute; “Slow Knots” ventures into sassy (I almost want to say French touch) territory; “Ravan” walks a tight-rope of tension but plays it smooth by the end. So yeah, it’s recommended if you like indie or that one indie rock band—what was their name again? Oh yeah, Arcade Fire. (Unfamiliar, www.areyoufamiliar.com) Taylor Benjamin Burgess
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989