Believe the critical hype around Weeping Tile and its accomplished new record, Valentino.
For a band that's only been around for two or three years -- and only months in its current incarnation -- it's already turning out some of the most complex, captivating and mature music.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Sarah Harmer -- the only constant in the band's thrice-shifted lineup -- is to thank for much of the band's appeal. With a voice that can move from a soft, just-woke-up croak to a flinty wail to an ethereal whisper (shades of Liz Phair, Nathalie Merchant and Patti Smith), she invests her songs with an emotional presence few of her young contemporaries can match.
That's not to discredit the other band members, who are remarkably adept at bringing Harmer's eclectic catalogue to life (particularly guitarist Luther Wright).
Their gently swinging run through the country waltz Judy G. could give Son Volt a run for their money, while shades of the Hip and Document-era REM emerged on more atmospheric numbers like Unshaven and the simmering I Repeat. They're a versatile lot, too, as they demonstrated on a dead-on encore goof through the Go-Gos' Our Lips Are Sealed.
The evening hit twin peaks with the Cold Snap single UFO Rosie and Valentino's 2 two brooding powerhouses that were born to piggyback, although the diminutive Harmer's quiet solo turn on the balld Goin' Out was sadly affecting.
It's almost scary to think how good Weeping Tile might become if they keep developing at this rate.
Speaking of development, Ottawa trio Starling -- who opened up the night -- are also moving forward at a frightening rate.
Older songs play like time-honored classics, and the band's new material twists and turns its sweet guitar-pop sound through more intricate arrangements.
An album. Soon. Please.
