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. Enjoy!
She Roars
Nice dudes who have been playing music together since 2007. This past August they released their second full-length album, Part Animal, a polished, well-written collection of tunes that showcase the group’s strength and refined craft. Far better than anything you’ll hear on the radio. She Roars, rock.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=3453685719 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=152502516]
Mayors
Well, here’s a bunch of fine fellows continuing their fine tradition of fine music-making. Members of Grand Theft Bus, Stereo Airing and The Belle Comedians. Some serious cred from some very not-so-serious characters. Go figure. Hopefully we’ll get to hear more from these gents in 2015.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=2880272208 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=508981371]
Sleepy Driver
Sleepy Driver. Serious songwriting and serious musicianship. Wow. There’s a lot of great bands in Fredericton but of all of the great tunes happening in this city, Sleepy Driver are the one band that I feel do not get enough credit. They’re pretty incredible – on par with the best in the genre. The best part? They be localz.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1068118096 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=2561718337]
Mom, Can You Come Get Me?
Not only do they have the best name of any band anywhere, Mom, Can You Come Get Me? may be the band (or the group of musicians) who will lead the charge for the next generation of Fredericton music. Seriously. Upon first listen, I was like, “where did these guys come from?”. So many elements of stuff that I love. Hey guys, if you’re reading this, we’re listening and we’re watching and we’re waiting. #pumped
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=701248185 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small]
Union Suit
Here’s a curveball. Union Suit. One of several artists to release their music on cassette during 2014. This track is the perfect soundtrack for an evening trek around town, just you and your headphones. Simple, yet strangely complex. Nice work. Keep ‘er comin’.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=3399782872 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=3235281474]
also see:
Matt Carter | @m_j_c73
