That's The Spirit

In Ottawa, musicians don't get more prolific than Ben Wilson. Formerly of Paperjack, and a current member of the Polytones, Orienteers and Department of Foreign Affairs, he's also recorded solo under the name Fisheyelens. It's unlikely, however, he's ever put out an album as complete as Staying Places, his new solo work as That's The Spirit. Staying Places is a mature, melancholic record. Self-produced in his basement studio, it shows off Wilson's skills behind the mixing desk as much as his songwriting ability. "Always Coming Back" features sleek guitar lines and several deft changes of gear. "Orienteering" and "It's Curtains For You" are breezy, wistful songs but share high-end production values with power pop bands such as the Shins. Most tracks on Staying Places last less than three minutes. As fleeting moments, they have a temporary feel matching the experience of travel, which is the record's principal lyrical theme.