| FemBots released
their fourth studio album in mid-September, quite possibly their best record
todate, titled Calling Out (2008). 11-tracks of clever music from highly
experienced Canadian musicians on the indie weewerk label.
The guys making those
impressive sounds are Dave MacKinnon (vocals, guitar, piano) and Brian
Poirier (vocals, guitar, bass) with new recruits Nathan Lawr (Drums), Iner
Souster (junkstruments, *I like that) and Paul Aucoin (vibes and additional
percussion) collectively known as FemBots.Calling Out is ridiculously good
and has come along way since it's humble beginnings as a home recording
project by MacKinnon and Poirier on Mucho Cuidado (2000).
Calling Out opens
with my favourite song, the haunting yet beautiful "Good Days" telling
a wonderful story heard from Brian's amazing voice. He's damn good. Nathan's
trademark drumming gives a relaxing sense of comfort as do the beautiful
harmonies within the song. The fifth track is a mouthful titled "JL Recalls
His Amazon Adventure From A Comfortable Chair In The Window Of No. 5 The
Kingsway"; this song has a toe-tapping pomp and circumstance like rhythm
telling the story of what appears to be looking through an old man's pair
of eyes reflecting on his life. "Lost At Sea" is deep and dark; creative
recording and mastering went into this selection and it's quite enjoyable
on many levels. The last song on Calling Out is titled "Ship Breaking",
one of the slower tempo intros on the album but packed full of heartfelt
songwriting as it builds momentum to a climatic close; it's one of the
songs that you just know that it means much to the band recording it.
Co-conspirator Iner
Souster has been creating behind scenes videos during production and you'll
find these on their website. The vids are as clever as their music.
Great vocals, music
and overall production; I'll be listening to this one often. The onyx black
disc and striking white font is even impressive to look at. If you're looking
for an intelligent yet simply laid out recording of songs you can't lose
with this album. You'll like! Calling Out is available at iTunes, Zunior,
puretracks and for the richest musical experience grab the vinyl version
at www.savedbyvinyl.com.
Vinyl is everything.
www.fembots.net
www.killbeatmusic.com
Chris White
c.white@partyinkingston.com |
