I’m really starting to believe that the only people who think Ottawa is boring are those who aren’t aware of all the amazing festivals we hold here every year. Another perfect example is this weekend’s Doldrums Music Festival. Launched 5 years ago to help kick those Ottawa winter blues, Doldrums is still going strong and back again this year, taking place at Club SAW on March 24 & 25. So, grab some tickets for you and your friends and head out to catch some great tunes while you celebrate the start of Spring! Here is a quick rundown of the participating bands this year:
Night 1:
Destroy Clocks: They describe themselves as “Lost somewhere between shoegaze and doom metal”. There truly is an exceptional fusion of genres flowing through these three tracks that showcase their brilliance. Hit up their bandcamp and catch a glimpse.
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Beautiful and infectious synth/indie pop duo Church of Trees is also on the bill. Layered with rich and textured sounds, dreamy vocals, and lyrics that fit perfectly: this music is truly hypnotic. You can purchase the newly released (Feb.’17) EP “Primitive Creatures” here.
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Sbsst: Intoxicating, mostly lyricless synth numbers that will haunt you in the most beautiful way. Sbsst skillfully maintains the same elements throughout all 3 releases, yet the change and progression from one to the next is fluid and carried out exquisitely. Never a dull moment, and absolutely zero filler. Please go listen.
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Pop tunes by the lovely Kate Schroder. Experimental and electronic, pretty and upbeat, Kate’s ability to pair her dazzling voice with these tunes is spectacular. Make sure to give her latest music a listen!
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Night 2:
Started in 2013, Nightshades have 2 EPs under their belt, and are currently in the studio for their first full length that they hope to release in late Spring. Punk, garage, and all the fun stuff wrapped up into one charming package. Check out their previously released stuff on bandcamp and get pumped for their upcoming release!
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Shadowhand: Rock with the perfect amount of thoughtful soul to round out their sound, while never straying from that awesomely chill vibe. It’s freakishly captivating, and all 3 tracks found on their bandcamp are an all around fantastic time.
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The Vile Bodies: Catchy, lo-fi indie rock tunes. Seriously, what more could you ask for? Is it to be in a music video with The Vile Bodies? Well just your luck – you can be! Details here. Until then, hop over to their bandcamp and join the party!
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Last but definitely not least, and a favourite around here at Bytown Sound: Prayer Wheels. Their unique sound that they describe as “choir rock” really puts them into a category all their own. It’s truly something that must be heard in order to fully understand and appreciate just how absolutely fantastic this band is. You can check out our previous review of their exceptional Spring EP here; but honestly, we really just recommend you snag a ticket to the show and check them out yourself. But, in the meantime:
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New, entertaining, and informative interviews with a few of the bands playing the festival can be found on Doldrums YouTube channel.
This is going to be two fun music-filled nights! Each night will be $10 at the door, or $8 if you buy your tickets in advance. Nab yours at Vertigo Records or The Record Centre. With a lineup of these 8 bands, you know it’s going to be amazing, so don’t miss out! Both events are 19+, doors at 8pm.
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