**Please note that this Feature was written before How Far To Mexico stepped in to replace Potential Red, who had to drop out of the line up due to an injury.**
The cause:
Coming together to raise money for MusiCounts, local bands Sparklesaurus, Blve Hills, and Potential Red will be performing at Live On Elgin on February 17th to help contribute to this wonderful charity. MusiCounts works to try to ensure that Canadian youth have access to music education, along with awarding scholarships and “Teacher of the Year”, just to name a few of the amazing things they do. Need more information, want to donate or see how you can get involved? Head over to their site here: https://www.musicounts.ca/
The bands:
Sparklesaurus:
“Perennials”, their 5 track EP released in the summer of last year, is brimming with fun, yet sophisticated arrangements and ultra dreamy vocals that make for some deliciously sweet pop tunes. Reminiscent of the 60’s but with lovely modern hooks, it’s thoughtfully crafted and assembled into a beautiful 18 and a half minutes.
They slow it down for the track “Flower Boy” and leave you with something a little more stripped down, yet absolutely stunning:
https://sparklesaurus.bandcamp.com/releases
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Potential Red:
Hot on the heels of their last release “Sepulchral Suns”, their new EP “Broken/Daydreaming” is every bit as charming as its predecessors. The 70’s and 80’s influences are ever present in their music, while they make use of so many great sounds to form something unique that they can call their own. It truly works on all fronts: deeply emotive at times yet still utterly catchy, be prepared to be hit right in the feels.
On the final track, leading in from ambient and atmostpheric to more instrumental rock, Potential Red completely sticks the landing on Reverie, evoking strong emotions without ever speaking a word.
Listen here:
At the price of only $1 for their latest EP and a Name Your Price for their other 2 releases, make sure to add these to your collection. Head here: https://potentialred.bandcamp.com/
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Blve Hills:
With 2 EP releases under their belt, these guys are making one thing clear: they are one hell of a good time. Evident in their videos, their lyrics, and their overall sound, this grunge/psych crew love what they do, but are sure never to take themselves too seriously. Keeping a raw, yet real sound throughout, adding a dash of surf, a healthy dose of pop and a sincere sense of entertainment, Blve Hills is a band you need to check out.
As they charge up for their 3rd EP due out in March, you can bet that you’ll be hearing more about Blve Hills in the coming weeks. Get to know their tunes right here: https://blvehills.bandcamp.com/
As an added bonus, be sure to check out the fantastic “Live In Blve Hills Basement” series on their YouTube channel. Each episode showcases a song performed live and a small interview/chat with the featured band.
So, grab some friends and head down to Live On Elgin tonight to show your support while you check out some amazing local bands! Presented by Local Ottawa Live & 93.1 CKCU FM. Doors at 8, music starts at 9pm, $10 at the door.
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