Spiny Anteaters

This renowned Ottawa area group are a like a musical box of candy that is part Velvet Underground and part Bardo Pond. This particular release stems from various recordings that were begun in 1996 and from there were toyed with and sent around to various recording sessions, like a gypsy orphan, until something sensible could be strewn together. A lot of the times things are slightly off - be it the drums or guitar - but the basis of each track is a form of pop music that is remarkably and romantically sweet and stimulating. At times, a beautiful wash of keyboards comes in, providing an atmosphere that reminds one of the rural vibe of Mercury Rev. Conceptually, each track has just enough awkwardness in it to set them aside from everyone else. Good stuff.