Who? Not another oversized Canadian indie collective! And yet the nine members of The Ghost is Dancing started off (relatively) small when Jamie Matechuk (vocals/guitar), Jim DeLuca (vocals/guitar/keyboard), Odie Ouderkirk (keyboard) and Gabby Nadeau (accordion/keyboard) — BFF’s since kindergarten — began jamming on milk crates at their student apartment in Toronto. Eventually as friends and couch-crashers dropped by 2 French Avenue, the band’s signature wall of sound intensity was born, causing the collective to reproduce like freakin’ rabbits.
What’s the Deal? The Darkest Spark, the group’s first full-length LP on Sonic Unyon, creates a sound both moody and ingratiating, recorded off the shores of Toronto Island. Bouncing, atmospheric harmonies travel alongside the call and response vocals of multiple members like well-placed missiles on “Shuttles and Planes.” The sophisticated “Organ” begins with a chorus of ahhs and the soft strumming of acoustic guitar, eventually coming to a head in a sublime echo of brass, keyboard and the insistent lyricism of Matechuk. Coming off a tour of Western Canada with Toronto’s the Coast, The Ghost is Dancing describe themselves as “Godzilla pop,” monster pop songs with a hint of anti-heroism. Fans of the Shins, Annuals, and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, this band’s for you!
Fun Fact: Dateless on prom night? There’s no need to drag along Duckie when your local indie collective is in town. One Toronto native took The Ghost is Dancing up on their offer (listed on their official website) and actually skipped the main event in order to see a performance at Toronto’s Drake Hotel. In return, all nine members dressed up in formal gear and slow danced the night away with the ardent fan.
Now Hear This:
The Ghost is Dancing – “Shuttles and Planes” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
The Ghost is Dancing at MySpace
theghostisdancing.com
Talk: Does The Ghost is Dancing “spark” your interest?
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