Rating: NNNN
One way of avoiding the stigma faced by so many francophone bands is by, well, not singing in French. Or English, for that matter. Montreal’s Torngat eschew all vocals, instead layering their complex songs with a plethora of instruments.
They master the Wurlitzer on Bordeaux Boredom, utilize the French horn on Minute By Minute, tackle the xylophone on Steps To A Lively Dance, and the list of instruments goes on and on.
Sonically, You Could Be is an odd collection of jazz, background music, dreamy pop and moody soundtrack-like sounds. While this is one of the more fascinating records to come out of Quebec, it’s tough to figure out what to do with it. You can’t dance to it, it’s not music to fall asleep to and it’s too thought-provoking to throw on while you’re doing the laundry. Still, it should keep you entertained for hours.
Torngat play the Music Gallery Friday (September 21).