For many of us the beginning of a new year brings with it some new resolutions. I for one propose that we all stop going out. There’s an endless world of entertainment at your fingertips if you use your Wi-Fi correctly so why bother socializing with people face to face? People are the worst.
In all honesty the post-New Year’s Eve schedule is just a little slow in Calgary’s music venues. And while there are still a handful of happenings I thought it’d be a better use of this space to let you know about some exciting things in the months to come.
While last year carried no shortage of interesting releases from local artists the first quarter of 2015 features releases from some of Calgary’s most hotly tipped acts.
Viet Cong a quartet featuring members of Women Sharp Ends and Chad VanGaalen’s touring band will follow the release of its acclaimed “Cassette” EP with its first proper full-length. The self-titled album which arrives on January 20 via Flemish Eye in Canada (and Jagjaguwar elsewhere) continues to demonstrate their mastery of post-punk with a strong pop sensibility.
Calgary’s other big player Samantha Savage Smith told us all about her sophomore LP way back in October of 2013. Turns out a Fast Forward Weekly cover story wasn’t enough to rush the album into production however as it’s only just arriving on January 27 through Winnipeg imprint Pipe & Hat. The release has since been dubbed Fine Lines and certainly suits its title situating itself in a lush zone between her folk-pop past and current role as guitarist in Lab Coast. It’s pop music that sounds both carefully crafted and effortless.
Much sooner than any of that Nicolas Field (of La Luna and Wicked Healing among others) will release a new cassette of old solo material. He’ll celebrate that release with a show at Good Life Community Bicycle Shop on Friday January 2 with guests Cold Water and Jared Larsen.
As for releases with less set-in-stone plans there are plenty of those too. Post-punk quartet Fist City have recently put the finishing touches on their latest LP with a release and plenty of worldwide touring set to follow its arrival.
Gruff pop-punk masters Sabertooth also recorded a new album their second full-length with Vancouver it-dude Jesse Gander so look for that to arrive shortly as well.
Surf-leaning fuzz-rockers Divepool are hard at work on their debut LP while post-hardcore powerhouse Prepared have recently recorded a handful of tracks to be released on various different records through frontman Kevin Stebner’s Revolution Winter imprint.
That’s just barely scratching the surface of Calgary music for the first quarter of 2015. So take it easy while you still can because it’s going to be a busy year.
