Last fall, Nov. 3 to be exact, I reviewed an EP called Iron Ponies by Toronto band Provincial Parks. It was an album that had gorgeous harmonies, catchy choruses, and an aesthetic that said to me, if these guys catch a few breaks they are going to be the next John Mayer (in group form). Of course, that didn't happen...
What did happen, according to the guys at herohill, was the passing of Will Whitwham's mother and the formation of the Wilderness of Manitoba. The Wilderness of Manitoba, which, as far as I know, contains roughly the same group of people as Provincial Parks, was obviously hit hard by the passing of Whitwham's mom and the music of Provincial Parks turned from the upbeat, sunny, we wanna score chicks like John Mayer sort of sound, to something decidedly more somber.
Yes, decidedly more somber, but also absolutely stunning. After listening to this album a staggering number of times since receiving it on Monday I've come to the conclusion that Hymns of Love and Spirits is a combination of the best parts of two of last year's breakout bands, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. The foxes-esque 4 part vocal harmonies are apparent from right out of the gate, but its the Bon Iver-esque strain and heartache that lingers under the surface through those harmonies that makes them meaningful... all those emotions that come from the heartbreak of losing a loved one are palpable.
If there's a bright side to all of this, its that the music that has emerged from the pain is something the likes of which I haven't heard this year. I'm thinking we might have a new front runner for Best Album of 2009...
[mp3] The Wilderness of Manitoba - Dreamcatchers
[mp3] The Wilderness of Manitoba - Manitoba
Pick of the Week #1: Ketch Harbour Wolves
Pick of the Week #2: Rah Rah
Pick of the Week #3: Glasvegas/Animal Collective
Pick of the Week #4: Bruce Peninsula
Pick of the Week #5: The Antlers
Pick of the Week #6: The Darcys
Pick of the Week #7: Ohbijou (Swift Feet for Troubling Times)
Pick of the Week #8: Gentlemen Husbands
Pick of the Week #9: Chris Whitley
Pick of the Week #10: Alela Diane
Pick of the Week #11: K'naan
Pick of the Week #12: TOR/Sufjan Stevens
Pick of the Week #13: Timber Timbre
Pick of the Week #14: Justis
Pick of the Week #15: Hibiscus & Rosehips Compilation
Pick of the Week #16: Patrick Watson
Pick of the Week #17: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Pick of the Week #18: The Liptonians
Pick of the Week #19: Sunparlour Players
Pick of the Week #20: Black Hat Brigade
Pick of the Week #21: Howie Beck
Pick of the Week #22: Pink Mountaintops
Pick of the Week #23: Still Life Still
Pick of the Week #24: Hayden
Pick of the Week #25: Snailhouse
Pick of the Week #26: Dog Day
Pick of the Week #27: Ohbijou (Beacons)
Pick of the Week #28: Dog is Blue
Pick of the Week #29: Parkas
Pick of the Week #30: The Wooden Sky
Pick of the Week #31: Bowerbirds
Pick of the Week #32: Miss Maya
Pick of the Week #33: Ben Folds Presents ...
Pick of the Week #34: Mantis
Pick of the Week #35: Diamond Rings
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