Though hailing from Iceland, Sóley has released her first full-length album, We Sink, on Berlin-basedimprint Morr Music. The independent label has developed a sort of signature sound that is described as merging “electronic and indie musical disciplines.” Sóley, who is also a member Seabear, continues this tradition. She mixes minimalist electronic beats with haunting piano melodies that remind you of cobwebs, broken up harpsichords and music boxes containing twirling ballerinas. Read More
Monthly Archives: September 2011
Cliffie Swan
Memories Come True (Drag City)
by Nathan Pike
Though this is Cliffie Swan’s debut disc, this is actually the third album from Brooklyn-based singer/guitarist Sophia Knapp and drummer Linnea Vedder. They were previously known as Lights, before band name legalities got in the way. But whereas Lights flirted with bubblegum and electronic pop on their two releases, Cliffie Swan’s Memories Come True lovingly embraces the simpler sounds of the ’70s and ’80s. Read More
Cloudsplitter
Cloudsplitter (Independent)
by Cali Travis
Cloudsplitter- Broken Yet Forgiven
Perhaps it’s the full, golden tone of Dave Gowan’s voice which so effectively shepherds the listener through the thematically liminal journey of Cloudsplitter’s self-titled album. Given, however, the complete and fully resolved combination of texture, story and sound, this is clearly the mastery of a talented collective at work. Read More
Adrian Glynn
Bruise (Light Organ Records)
by Olivia Meek
Adrian Glynn- Blue Belle Lament
Bruise blends folk-blues spirituals with a maritime vibe, so I can see why the Canadian Government would partially fund it. Well done for what it is, the album’s songs are recorded in a simple way, subbing a full band sound with hand claps, jangly guitar, foot stops, claw-hammer piano and bare a cappella. The songs get into your head and resonate like a Christmas carol; I think you could compare “When Everything’s Right With The World” to “Away In A Manger.” Read More
Daniel Moir
Road (Independent Arts)
by Daniel Moir
Daniel Moir’s sophomore release, Road, is a masterfully produced collection showcasing the Edmonton native’s songwriting skills. Road is a rootsy, alternative folk trip that takes the listener on a quasi-cinematic journey through the great Canadian landscape. While Moir himself is a gifted multi-instrumentalist—handling everything from the banjo to the mellotron—he’s supported by an excellent backing band. Jonathan Lewis’ violin work especially helps to create a great sense of atmosphere, whether it be hopeful (“Fruitless Journey”) or melancholic (“John Milyard”). Read More
Broken Social Scene
September 24 @ Malkin Bowl
by Jordan Wade
Broken Social Scene- Texico Bitches
It was recently announced that Toronto indie rock collective Broken Social Scene would be taking a bit of a hiatus, so this was probably the last chance to see them in Vancouver for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, approximately 1,200 fans descended upon Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl to check out the show. Read More
Film Stripped
THE VIFF IS ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC
by Zarah Cheng
In almost every Hollywood movie that I watch, I can recognize at least one actor—if not by name, then from a previous movie that I had seen them in. If I’m really on point, I can name co-stars and what upcoming project they’ll be involved in within the next year. When I watch films at the Vancouver International Film Festival, I recognize virtually no one. For me, this is the most refreshing film experience that I could ask for. Read More »