Sound Seekers by Fateema Sayani is published weekly at OttawaMagazine.com. Read Fateema Sayani’s culture column in Ottawa Magazine and follow her on Twitter @fateemasayani
There are shades of the mid-2000s Ottawa music scene in the new album from Phantom Shores. Fans of two now defunct bands: Jetplanes of Abraham — the six-member indie-rock riot, and chamber rock act As the Poets Affirm — will find familiar strains in the Phantom Shores’ debut album called To the Woods.
The musical constants are singer-songwriter Craig Mainprize, ex of Jetplanes, and Renee Leduc, former strings player for both bands. Mainprize brings a fiery folk vocal to a placid musical genre, while Leduc gives each of the 12 tracks a warm weight with violin, viola, keyboard, and accordion flourishes. Adding to the texture and feel of the tunes are Dave Smith (percussion), Ken Ain (bass, guitar), and Jenny Nasmith (vocals, percussion) with guest album artists Derrick Rathwell (bass) and Celeste Cote (vocals).
Mainprize started the band in 2008 while he was part of Jetplanes of Abraham. He took a hiatus to backpack through Europe, where most of the songs were written. The songs have that wanderlusty feel with titles such as “Solitude” and “The Starkest Questions” and lyrics about trying to put words to inner struggles and figure it all out.
The band shows its lighter side in this campfire cover of Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is a Highway.”
Stream the new Phantom Shores album here and catch the release show this weekend.
The Phantom Shores album release party takes place Saturday, March 23 at Maverick’s, 221 Rideau St., with guests Kalle Mattson, Loon Choir, and Andre Bluteau. Doors: 8 p.m., $10 cover.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Toronto synth-worshippers Trust play Ritual tonight. The band features members of Austra. 8 p.m., tickets are $10 through ticketfly.com. The Fader described them as, “Moody, skulking pop that reminisces downcast ’80s dance at its best.”
West Ottawa folk force Brock Zeman hosts his annual birthday bash Friday at Irene’s Pub. $10.
The Kate Rogers Band and Shannon Rose & the Thorns play the Raw Sugar Café Friday.
The Peptides play two shows at the Black Sheep Inn on Friday and Saturday. It’s in celebration of their new album based on the stories of The Vinyl Café. $10 adv.
Chicago band Mister Lies headlines a triple bill of ambient-experimental music Saturday at Café Dekcuf with guests Organ Eyes and Adam Saikaley. 8 pm.., $10 adv.
The Wooden Sky plays Café Dekcuf Tuesday. 8 p.m., $17 adv.
Sex Pistol Glen Matlock is at Zaphod’s Wednesday. 8 p.m., $20 adv.
Danny Michel plays the NAC Presents series on Wednesday, March 28 and Thursday, March 29. $33.