Constantines
– Tournament of Hearts
(Three Gut)
Released in October 2005, this disc marked the last new release of trail-blazing indie label Three Gut Records. On Tournament, Guelph’s Constantines leave behind some of their urban “Clash meets Fugazi” angst for catchier melodies and scored big with great song writing, big rhythms, and beautiful instrumentation. With highlights like “Hotline Operator,” “Draw us Lines” and “Thieves,” it’s a shame these worthy garage punks missed out on this year’s short list.
Tangiers – Family Myth (Baudelaire)
The first release on Evan Newman’s new Baudelaire label, Family Myth offers sweeping melodies and smart lyrics anchored by a solid 70s punk-rock backbone. Songwriters Josh Reichmann and James Sayce pushed past their previous accomplishments to create a record that is catchy, melancholy, and driving all at once.
Who to watch our for next year
Small Sins – Small Sins
(Astralwerks)
Formerly known as The Ladies and Gentlemen, Toronto’s Small Sins indulge your sweet tooth for infectious, clap-along electro-pop. Recently signed U.S. major label Astralwerks (Brian Eno, The Beta Band) Small Sins create a cross between Grandaddy and Fleetwood Mac that you’ll be happy to have stuck in your head.
Ohbijou – Swift Feet for Troubling Times (Independent)
Turning to Leon Taheny (Final Fantasy producer) to twist the knobs on their recent debut album, Toronto orchestral pop outfit Ohbijou write quiet and complex songs featuring fragile female vocals that grow, groove and softly satisfy anyone with a taste for well-made music. Straight off a killer mainstage gig at V-Fest, watch out for Ohbijou wow in 2007.
Destroyer – Destroyer’s Rubies (Merge)
His ninth release since 1995, Vancouver’s Destroyer (fronted by New Pornographers’ Daniel Bejar) has been gathering a considerable amount of buzz since dropping his 2004 disc Your Blues and performing subsequent colabs with indie-kids Frog Eyes. Crossing almost all musical boundaries, Rubies sometimes sounds like David Bowie or Television and at others more like conventional britpop or shoegazer offerings. Either way, it’s a classic.
