Fleece Elves - The Dreams EP

I received a pretty decent little EP from a local band called Fleece Elves. Although the band has been playing together for a couple of years now, The Dreams EP is the first time that they've made product available to the public and they've got a sound that is warm and easy to absorb. Their style could best be described as easily accessible folk tinged pop music with the emphasis placed on the Americana side of things. The EP opens with the most upbeat song of the four, entitled Full Of Empty. It's incredibly catchy, and the full sound of the chorus reminds me of some of the great straight forward rock music of the early 90's, stuff like The Odds or Counting Crows. The little guitar strains that poke through some of the lyrics show a hint of their classic rock influence, which manifests itself in full force by the end of the EP. Pin Cushion and Red Star are the songs that most openly display their roots rock influences, which will likely cause many to compare them to Wilco, although I think that perhaps The Skydiggers or The Cash Brothers would be a more accurate point of reference. The harmonies are very unique, and the guitar, once again, is given centre stage, especially during the latter half of the latter track, where the band's sense of adventure starts to peek through. The real clincher is the last song, entitled All The Colours You See. Track One may be the catchiest song, but this one has the most obvious hook, one that will have you singing along within the first minute of its nearly seven minute time span. The aforementioned classic rock influence really shines on this one, as the structure leans heavily on tempo changes and country rock guitar virtuosities, reminding me a lot of the Allman Brothers. Overall, this is a solid primer for what is to come, and it'll be neat to see if the band chooses to follow the jam format of the last song, or they play up the power pop angle of the first song.

Fleece Elves are playing The Smiling Buddha Bar on Saturday February 21st.

Myspace: Fleece Elves

Other stuff:
Sorry for the late notice, but AfterpartY are playing live tomorrow night (Saturday February 14th) at The Supermarket in Kensington Market. However, if you can't go out there's no need to fret or fear, their entire show is being broadcast live at SyncLive.com. Simulcasting video over the internets...what will they think of next? [Myspace: AfterpartY]

Beth In Battle Mode are in the process of releasing a new CD entitled Hot Science. They've got a new song streming on their myspace and next week, they'll have another one. They're encouraging all to check in regularly as they'll be offering all kinds of news and updates and other fun stuff. They are playing Rancho Relaxo on February 18th. [Myspace: Beth In Battle Mode]

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers were recently the featured band of the day in The National Post. They are playing The Tranzac on Wednesday February 18th. [Myspace: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers]

Songs From A Room did the live performance and interview thing on the XM Satellite Radio show Live @ The Verge last Wedesday. For those of you who missed it (like me), it is being re-broadcast this Sunday February 15th at 9am. SFAR are playing The Horseshoe on Sunday February 22nd. [Myspace: Songs From a Room]