Even after 3 months and 14 Features here at Bytown Sound, I’m still continuously amazed at how many incredibly talented bands and musicians we have in our own city. Ottawa’s very own Saint Clare is absolutely no exception: I was totally blown away.
Overflowing with indisputable talent, Saint Clare pulls no punches with their debut full-length album. This 7-piece band operates so seamlessly together, creating 9 wholly solid tracks that are full of energy, heart, and perfectly layered sounds. Every instrument, every note and every lyric seems expertly placed and deliberate; the whole package is impeccable.
I’ve been finding it increasingly difficult to single out just one favourite tune to recommend the more I listen to this album. “Goodbye to the Ghost” is poignant, heartfelt, and deeply emotional, without ever losing its rock/darker pop feel. While the album version is beautifully polished and full, the version on their Half Holy EP really captures the true rawness of what I imagine to be honest heartbreak and loss.
Yet another favourite, this live performance of the cutting “Zeitgeist” demonstrates the band’s evident chemistry; they function as one powerfully cohesive unit as they skillfully blur the lines between genres:
“Cheatin'” immediately stood out upon first listen. Great rock tune, cleverly written, and catchy as hell. Definitely a great track that I guarantee you’ll listen to multiple times in a row:
I can’t say enough good things about this album. Saint Clare clearly gives us all they’ve got – and let’s face it, it’s pretty damn incredible. You could always take our word for it, but you really should check this one out for yourself. So go ahead and snag their newly released self titled full-length for only $10 over here: https://saintclare.bandcamp.com/.
And just in case you weren’t aware – you can also catch them tonight at Bar Robo celebrating the release of this album, with support from locals The Life Size Men (https://thelifesizemen.bandcamp.com/) and Montreal’s power pop/rockers Dead Messengers (https://deadmessenger.bandcamp.com/). All ages, doors @ 8pm, $8.
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