Canadian Indie Geography – Pt. 2: Great Plains
Rah Rah
Regina, Saskatchewan (and recently part Montreal) rockers Rah Rah have been getting a lot of hype within the past couple of years. They’ve had songs picked as singles of the week for iTunes and Starbucks, along with being picked as “Best New Canadian Band” amongst other titles. Everyone has an equal share of tasks in the band and no voice is left unheard. Their sophomore album, Breaking Hearts, was just released this past summer, and we find it’s the perfect ensemble of songs for those long car rides and road trips with the windows down.
Rah Rah – “Arrows”:
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Woodpigeon
Although quite a few of the members of this project are dispersed across different oceans, the heart of Woodpigeon, Mark Hamilton, resides in Calgary, Alberta. You really must do yourselves a favour and listen to their latest release Baladeer/To All The Guys I’ve Loved Before. Suggestion: Make yourself a mug of your favourite tea, sit down on a comfortable chair or sofa, (cozy fireplace optional) and just immerse yourself in the beautiful intricacies of sounds created by this incredible Canadian band.
Library Voices
Authentic Regina rock’n'rollers Library Voices have been through it all; from constantly having to move from one place to another, to having a member of the band leave, to getting their gear stolen, to breaking hearts, and having their own hearts broken. Yet they still manage to keep genuine smiles on their faces and continue to play their feel-good, bubbly music. And even though they just released their debut LP Denim On Denim in 2010, they’re already working hard on a new record, set to be released in 2011-2012.
Library Voices – “Party Like It’s 2012″:
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Women
If you like psychedelic/experimental music that sounds like a cross between Nurses, Animal Collective and some lo-fi surf bands from the 80s, Women‘s music is right up your alley. With multi-talented Flemish Eye label-mate Chad Vangaalen having taken care of the recording and producing of both their 2008 self-titled debut, and their 2010 Public Strain LP, you know that they can do no wrong. Not forgetting the fact that they slaved over the recording process with every ounce of spare time that they had.
Women – “Eyesore”:
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Chad Vangaalen
Albeit he’s already made quite the name for himself in the indie music community, we cannot go on with this post without mentioning the talents of Chad Vangaalen. The man who produces beautiful art from his basement has in fact been around for a while, but it does not stop him from consistently producing sweet music, animations for his own songs, and dabbling in different projects. For example the aforementioned Women’s latest release, as well as designing album covers for bands such as the Shout Out Out Out Out. He’s offered his latest Soft Airplane EP as a free download right here. Enjoy!
Chad Vangaalen – “Willow Tree”:
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Friendo
Spacey, experimental sounds seem to be all the rage in the indie scene nowadays, and Friendo are ready to cater exactly what their music listeners want. They didn’t do it on purpose obviously, it wasn’t like they decided: “Hey, let’s do this ’cause it’s the ‘in’ thing to do, guys!” They just came out that way, and luckily enough with perfect timing, so they won’t have to worry about their popularity rising with the likes of Braids, Women, Puberty, and other fantastics.
Friendo – “Pass Times”:
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Hot Panda
When you think Panda, you think cute, furry, black and white endangered species. Hot Panda on the other hand are none of that fuzzy stuff. The four-piece, equally divided boy/girl team are quite the rowdy bunch. We don’t doubt their ability of causing a huge hubbub at their shows, and their constant touring for their latest full-length release How Come I’m Dead? has definitely given them enough practice time to perfect their riot-starting skills. Don’t be alarmed if vocalist Chris Connelly starts yelling at you like he’s in pain; we promise you, he’s totally fine.
Hot Panda – “Mindlessnesslessness”:
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Honourable Mention:
-The Waking Eyes
-Imaginary Cities
-Puberty
-Shout Out Out Out Out
-The Dudes
-The Weakerthans
-Canadian Indie Geography Part 1: West Coast
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