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Album reviews Music

Bernice – What Was That

Rating: NNNN


Bernice’s core members, Robin Dann and Thom Gill, have been kicking around the Toronto scene for a while, the latter best known for playing with Owen Pallett and the former for her quirky solo work. This collaboration really showcases their talents, blending ambient electronic pop textures with jazz influences to create a sound that’s accessible without sacrificing their experimental impulses.

The arrangements focus on Dann’s silky voice, but it’s the deft interplay of synthetic and acoustic instrumentation that pushes the songs far beyond your average jazz-folk ballads. A few years ago we might have bristled at some of the smooth jazz and soft rock references, but those are no longer seen as liabilities in indie music. Too bad Dann has relocated to the UK to finish her master’s degree. We’ll have to wait to catch Bernice performing any hometown gigs.

Top track: Body Motivation

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