BETTY BURKE play Holy Oak on Friday (February 25). See listing. Rating: NNNN
Maggie MacDonald is the voice of Betty Burke, a Toronto trio completed by Jo Snyder and Sheila Sampath, who joined following this record’s completion. Anyone who knows MacDonald from previous bands the Barcelona Pavilion and Republic of Safety may be surprised by the quieter, poppy quality of Betty Burke.
But while the music may be sweeter, MacDonald’s deep and resonant voice is unmistakable. And hearing her impart sage advice like “You can’t dress for the weather that will be / you gotta dress for the weather that is” over strummed acoustic guitar is a charming experience. Painstakingly packaged in a vellum envelope with an accompanying ‘zine, this release puts the “independent” back in indie pop.
Top track: You Can’t Wear Suede In The Rain
