niloo, Antenna93, Sympathetic String Band, and Goodies
niloo - Sour Cherry
Victoria’s Niloo Farahzadeh’s debut album is an impressive and unique musical statement. Dreamy vibes permeate these seven tracks that move from downtempo pop tunes to lovely folk numbers. What makes this album ear-catching and so appealing are the nods to Farahzadeh’s Iranian heritage and the euphoric wisps of psychedelia found throughout. Sour Cherry is a massive achievement that hasn’t gone unnoticed as it’s been charting on the National Campus Radio charts for ten weeks!
Antenna93 - Jack in the Green
I covered Antenna93 in June for their six song EP, Industrial Kitchen. This newer Montreal band had me excited to hear more and to my surprise, not four months later they deliver with a two tracker. The first song gives this release its name and is a punchy noise-rocker steeped in mathy rhythms and jagged guitar stabs. It’s an absolute ripper that is followed by a calming breath a fresh air with ambient, nature forward field recordings. More please!
Sympathetic String Band - Self Titled
Three of Toronto’s finest purveyors of psychedelia get together to explore different stringed instruments from around the world. Hieronymus, Roy, and Hank Green deliver worldly sounds for deep relaxation or soothing meditation. Request this album for your next massage and take in the healing vibrations as your worries melt away into oblivion.
Goodies - So Bitter!
Goodies are a new band from Winnipeg who delivered their debut EP at the end of July. On So Bitter! this quartet showcases a cool blend of power-pop with a raw garage edge. The four songs drive forward with a subtle urgency and I can’t help but draw comparisons to The Courtneys. My interest is piqued, I can’t wait to hear more.
