With ‘Best Of 2014” lists popping up all over the place this time of year, I thought it might be fun to take the theme, scrap any numerical value or ranking and simply present 25 great tracks from Fredericton artists that have surfaced over the past year. Over the past few weeks I’ve been digging through the countless bands and individuals currently making music here in Fredericton, some familiar to my ears and hearing others for the first time. It was a pretty fun and enlightening exercise and one that opened my ears to a lot of music I’d missed over the past 12 months. In this five part series, I will share some of my favourites from 2014.
Kieran Smyth
I stumbled upon Kieran’s music by chance. His album, The Willows, is a collection of sound and song ideas that really are quite beautiful. Acoustic guitar, banjo, piano, strings, they’re all here. I’m pretty pumped to find this. Give it a listen.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=376934243 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=4289976465]
Celestial Sunrise
I’m a fan. One of several releases to surface from the Efflor crew. These guys remind me of the catchy pop-infused rock of the 90’s with some added edge. Not afraid to try new ideas and never bound by any sonic rules, Celestial Sunrise are a breath of fresh air.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=3609981449 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small]
Hero’s Last Rite
Alright, here’s the full package when it comes to Fredericton metal. Great playing and professional sounding with a live performance as good as the best in the genre. HLR are simply incredible. Holy F. I have to play this album again.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=879337306 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=1627131766]
The Shorty Tubbs
Well, what can I say about The Shorty Tubbs? Super fun, super catchy and super nice peeps. The Shorty Tubbs are the interpretive dance of garage rock.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=2442021594 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small]
Tortue
Another great discovery. Another catchy song. Another band that I’d never heard of until I started working on this series of features. Another reason to go to more shows.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=3021177473 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=2830304577]
also see:
Matt Carter | @m_j_c73
