Left Of Zero - Self-Titled

Progressive soul? Math jazz? Neo-funk-folk? When I saw Left Of Zero play the Rancho back in August, I knew that if I ever hear their recorded work, it would border on the impossible to slide the band into any particular genre. And sure enough, despite the fact that I've been listening to their infectious self-titled full length relentlessly this week, descriptive terms continue to elude me. They have a sound that harks back to another era; an era of sophisticative musical arrangements and sultry vocals that melt your soul. The opening sweep of 3 of 4 eases the listener into a slightly progressive territory, not totally unlike Portishead only without all the studio noodling, giving them a unique sense of organic experimentation. The song concludes with some musically unaccompanied vocal work by all of the members that is sparse and ethereal. I'm In Love begins with some very subtle guitar work before crescendoing into a crazy jam that ends a little bit too soon, in my opinion. Compromise is more of a relaxed drone of a song, that really allows Jade Lamarche's vocals to shine, as they easily do. Estrella and Unsaid are the closest the band gets to just rocking out, showcasing the fact that guitarists Luis Figueroa and Derek Edwards play off of each other very well, while Adam Boyle may be one of the most calculated drummers on the Toronto scene today. And while many people will be talking about Jade's outstanding voice, I think it's her bass playing that is really the star of this band, as I feel it's the most immediately noticeable thing about their music and what really allows it to stand on its own.

If I have one criticism about the album, it's that the band really has the ability to challenge the listener, but they rarely follow through on doing so. That makes the album very accessible of course, which is likely what the band was going for, and probably appropriate for a debut full length, but it would be neat to hear the band push the boundaries a little bit more the next time around. Songs like You Make Me and the aforementioned I'm In Love sound as if they're going to propel into the stratosphere and make an epic statement, but then they choose to just end instead. I'd like to hear them get a little bit pretentious next time. Of course, nobody appreciated Spinal Tap's foray into jazz exploration so maybe my personal views are better left ignored. Still, Left Of Zero's latest release has accomplished repeat listenings on my end and will likely continue to do so which is a sign of a job well done.

Myspace: Left Of Zero
Video: I'm In Love on youtube

Other stuff: There are a few other shows coming up in the month of December that I forgot to mention yesterday that you might be interested in, all taking place at The Silver Dollar.

First of all, on Friday December 5th we've got The Two Koreas and The Hoa Hoa's taking the stage. Also on the bill are Picturesound, Daniel Kosub and Easy Targets. Cost is $6. I won't be able to make it, and that bums me out since I still haven't seen The Hoa Hoa's live and I've just got to, what with them being amazing and all. [Myspaces: The Two Koreas, The Hoa Hoa's, Picturesound, Daniel Kosub, Easy Targets]

About a week later, $100 is hosting their CD release party for their new Regional 7" Release. This of course is hot on the hills of their critically acclaimed release Forest Of Tears, which is apparently fantastic even though I still have yet to pick it up. The show is on Friday December 12th and it's $8 adv; $10 door. [Myspace: $100]

And for those who like the night life, and like to boogie, there's a late late show on Saturday December 20th beginning at 11pm featuring Rural Alberta Advantage, Ghost Is Dancing and Forest City Lovers. That's an amazing bill that is almost worth setting aside sleep for. Sleeping is overrated anyways right? Right? (I should clarify that this show seems to be mentioned on the Silver Dollar website but not on any the band's myspace pages. So pardon my sloppy journalism but you may want to double check the facts before taking my word on it.) [Myspaces: Rural Alberta Advantage, Ghost Is Dancing, Forest City Lovers.] UPDATE: Forest City Lovers has denied playing this show, so my guess is that it may not actually be happening, even though it's still posted on the Silver Dollar website)

There's many more where that came from but I'm saving it for tomorrow. So see you tomorrow.