Vernon alternative rock band, Amistad, heads out for the territories on their second album, Lee.
A condensed cycle of mini-epics that offers a new way of hearing pop sounds, the album is a surprising advance forward from the youthful group’s debut recording, offering dreamy moods and hard-hitting arrangements. The songs evoke haunting images that linger on after the record is finished.
The five-piece group maximizes the multi-instrumental and vocal talents of its members (keyboardist/guitarist Craig Matterson, bassist/keyboardist Nolan Bassett, guitarist/violinist Eli Garlick, drummer/sax player Carson Bassett and lead singer/guitarist Aidan Andrews) to conjure up an art-rock atmosphere and take a long stride toward the “zone.”
They create a bold, wistful sound (Kate Bush could relate) that resonates with shimmery Brit-rock textures (My Eyes and I). The sonic blend of sound is luminous, and the self-produced album (with Greg Wenger) is a tastefully considered soundscape that flows from evocative sources.
The art-rock aesthetic runs deep on Lee and gives some songs a distant, otherworldly feel (Kings, Capes, and Mistakes). Amistad is going for a wall of layered sound that resembles early Peter Gabriel–era Genesis.
They provide songs that give the illusion of different times (Glaciers, Heirlooms) and suggest unpredictability but never go there – a unique characteristic that creates mystery.
This hard-driving creativity evokes ethereal Brit folk-rock sounds (Salutations) that aren’t often heard away from the source, making Lee a spellbinding and charismatic record.
Ed note: Amistad are releasing Lee with a live show at the Powerhouse Theatre Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $7, available at the door, from band members, the Bean To Cup or Wentworth Music in Vernon.
– Dean Gordon-Smith is a musician based in Vernon. His column runs in The Morning Star every Friday.
