Donlands & Mortimer

Scylla

BY Scott A. GrayPublished Jun 14, 2010

Toronto, ON has birthed another of Canada's most exciting new groups. Bold septet Donlands & Mortimer have talent to spare, but spare it they don't; the full force of their very able abilities is displayed on Scylla. Guitarist/vocalist Carmen Elle and drummer/vocalist Steven Foster lead the progressive folk pop collective, trading tasty licks and lead vocal duties. Though all members are obviously exceptionally capable on their respective instruments, strong songwriting always remains the group's focus. Serious pocket-dwelling grooves, playful horn arrangements, bouncy keys and smoothly blended vocal harmonies power many of the EP's too-brief six tracks, but D&M are as confident throwing down sunny pop melodies as they are experimental excursions and sinister, syncopated movements. Just try to get the chorus melody of "Starboard" or "Eating Bombs" out of your head after even a single listen. Scylla is such an immediately memorable and joyous listening experience, which flies by so swiftly, you'll be begging for more and hitting the repeat button until their next album drops.
(Snakes & Ladders)

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