Rating: NNNN
Multi-instrumentalist Rusty Matyas has had his hand in countless Winnipeg indie rock bands over the last decade: the Waking Eyes, Terrier, the Mother Brothers Band, Novillero. (He’s also occasionally played trumpet in Vancouver’s the Salteens.) The duo Imaginary Cities is his newest, and it features standout soulful vocalist Marti Sarbit.
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On this preview EP of their impending debut full-length, Matyas hops from guitar to drums to keys to bass to create dynamic indie pop underneath Sarbit’s distinct soaring voice. Hummingbird and Temporary Resident are bright, propulsive indie pop tunes tempered by Sarbit’s bluesy melodies and downbeat lyrics, while Say You is comfortably mellow.
Top track: Temporary Resident
Imaginary Cities play tonight (Thursday, June 17), 7 pm, at the Mod Club and Saturday (June 19), 11 pm, at C’est What as part of NXNE.
