The emergence of artists that play polyphonic, vocal-led music like Julianna Barwick, Grouper, and now Tonstartssbandht, is a really exciting thing. Now I Am Become is a record that isn’t easily expressed in words, but that’s probably the best thing about it. The all-over-the-place-in-the-best-way nature of these tracks sees the band flying from chaotic, noisy, and kind of abrasive experimentation to glorious Animal Collective (or possibly Beach Boys, or probably both)-inspired hymns. This may be off-putting for some (which is probably why the band made its home on the weirdo/ultra-hip Montreal label Arbutus Records), not easily absorbed, or even understood, until after a number of repeated listens. “Shot To La Parc” nearly demands that you blast it through your headphones to soak it in. Intensely catchy guitar licks blast you from every direction, while vocal chants are shouted from the sidelines and slip easily through the mix. By the time the closer, “Orange Love You,” rolls around, the mood has shifted towards atmospheric. Splashes of soul, blues and gospel float around the room, amidst an ocean of reverb-inflicted vocals and filtered, processed instruments. But even when Tonstartssbandht pushes against the walls of their lo-fi, noise rock, the heat and friction they generate keeps them from ever sounding delicate. This is a rock band, but calling them that wouldn’t be giving them enough credit. Like all great music, Now I Am Become reveals itself slowly, asking you to meet it halfway, and giving only as much back as what’s being putting in. (Arbutus Records, www.arbutusrecords.com/) Kevan Hannah
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989