OHBIJOU play Trinity St. Paul’s Church on September 30. See listing. Rating: NNNN
In a review of Ohbijou’s last album, I lamented the fact that Casey Mecija seemed to hold back when delivering her delicate vocals and yearning lyrics. But that’s not a problem on the Toronto orchestral-pop band’s third album, a sonically bold effort that sees their dynamism shoot through the roof while keeping intact their trademark hushed ambience.
Opening track Niagara sets the tone. The rhythm section is lean and thunderous, perfectly arranged strings and piano add clouds of suspense, while Mecija’s voice soars above it all like a sparrow taking flight. It’s a wonderful balance of loud and quiet, dark and light, dense and clear that continues through the 11th track.
Balikbayan has a gorgeous chorus and sweeping strings, Iron And Ore’s lush, experimental backdrop evokes the Verve, while Sligo is positively cathartic. Hats off to Montreal’s Jace Lasek, who produced this ambitious, powerful collection.
Top track: Iron And Ore
