Daniel Isaiah, Ping Pong Go, Pastel Blank, and blesse
Daniel Isaiah - Western Medicine
I must admit I completely lost track of this artist over the past eight years since he released an incredible album called Only One Left. That album incorporated downtempo electronic flourishes into the folk genre, making for a haunting listening experience. Western Medicine ditches the experimental approach to folk music, opting for an alt-country bent that is oh so sweet. With sharp and elegant lyrics Daniel Isaiah leans into this classic approach with an album of expertly crafted compositions that move from jig-jumping bangers to hold-your-partner-close slow dance numbers.
Ping Pong Go - Smash Combat
The new instrumental project from pianist Vincent Gagnon and drummer P-E Beaudoin will amuse and confuse. The compositions found on Smash Combat are wild, at times wacky and never follow the trajectory you’d expect. The descriptor of “Gamer Jazz” is all you need to know to understand where Ping Pong Go are going to take you on their sophomore album. One minute you’re in the lush electronic exploration world of “Okinawa” then before you know it, you’re battling the boss in the chaotic cacophony of “Smash Combat”.
Pastel Blank - Unmade In Minutes
Pastel Blank, the project from Victoria’s Angus Watt exploded onto our radar in 2022 with their extremely fun debut EP. Four years later, Watt returns with Pastel Blank's debut album and they haven’t skipped a beat. Funky indie-rock blended with new-wave charisma and an adventurous art-pop spirit, Unmade In Minutes is here to be your summer soundtrack. This record is undeniably catchy and fun and will serve well as your soundtrack for patio beers, top down cruising, river floats and any other awesome summer activities.
blesse - Transit
I’m trying to dust off my French skills, having gone to school in French immersion until grade nine, the language is buried somewhere in the back of my brain. Acts like Montreal’s blesse are helping me practice. Admittedly, listening to music in French isn’t super helpful but that isn’t stopping me from cranking up Transit and enjoying every second of its authentic indie-rock/alt-pop. Despite lyrics being a difficult way to refresh my skills, the earworm melodies and catchy choruses are reward enough. Merci à blesse de m'avoir offert quelque chose formidable pour m'aider à m'entraîner!
