Hylozoists

Brilliant and versatile, Nova Scotia’s Paul Aucoin has received some much-deserved hype for his swollen, all-star band the Hylozoists. Aucoin’s mug might be familiar to anyone having seen particularly great sets by the Sadies, Nathan Lawr and the FemBots among many, many others. The Maritimer has augmented their music with his stunning vibraphone chops, all the while plotting a coming out party for his orchestral pop sponge, the Hylozoists. Consisting of members of the Weakerthans, Broken Social Scene, Heavy Blinkers and Sea Snakes, to name a few, the Hylozoists make genuine use of their assorted skills. For their Boompa debut, Aucoin has outdone himself, composing a sweeping, pulsating collection of songs. It’s easy to get lost in the flow of "The Fifty Minute Hour,” the magnificent "Strait is the Gate,” and the Montreal-ish art pop of "If Only Your Heart Was a Major Sixth,” which all twist and turn their way into a steady build of drums, strings and vibes. Members of Cuff the Duke put their stamp on "Smiley Smiley” just as the FemBots shine through on the title track. Hints of Tortoise and Stereolab snake through the record, while songs like "Elementary Particles” and "Journey to the End of the Night” are more dutiful in their homage to Calexico and Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. Really though, the Hylozoists are a unique beast and their union on La Fin Du Monde is a stunning testament to the musical scope of Canada’s indie rock community.