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Sills & Smith / Blog

Blogger Jester Jay Likes it When We Rock!

Friday, September 30, 2011CD review - Sills & Smith, Uncertain Vista (2011) Split personality: we will, we will rock/folk you! Uncertain Vista sprawls for 60 minutes and 21 songs, allowing enough room for the two or three bands playing to each show off their signature sounds. Of the collection, I prefer the indie rock centered band the most, but the musicianship is strong across the board. Of course, it's not a collection of bands, it's just the split personalities of Sills and Smith, jumping between indie/alt rock and Americana (Canadian style)/folk. This dichotomy would have worked better if they had split the album accordingly, but the songs jump from sound to sound, sometimes disconcertingly. When the appropriately named Ominous fades down from its dark. chaotic tension into the delicate slide intro of Water, it's hard to shake the dissonance. Despite the roller coaster sequencing, there is a streak of continuity on Uncertain Vista tied to the lead vocal sound, the balanced song arrangements, tight harmonies, and the exceptional bass work. The first three songs start out on the indie rock side, with A Writer's Retreat creating some beautiful music. The see saw rhythmic start features some harmonic note textures that contrast nicely with the wide open flow of the chorus. The electric guitar is wonderful, creating a counterpoint of sounds that balance the structured arrangement of the other instruments. Similarly, on Inside/Outside, the electric guitar adds character, largely by being less anchored to the Police-like main guitar figure. Spiraling Down's shift to a more Americana feel is the first indication that Uncertain Vista was veering for other targets. The repetitive melody lines and swaying rhythm is pleasant and the lead has a nice Roger McGuinn feel. But it's out of step with the earlier songs. Picking some favorite moments, Crux of the Matter is a strong alt-rocker with a power pop edge. The driving beat lays down a foundation for a John Entwistle bass line that melodically toys with the groove. The psychedelic guitar solo drifts through the break leaving little flecks of golden fuzz. On the folkier side, the aforementioned Water has a gentle folk rock vibe. The arrangement is simple, but allows enough room for the slide guitar accents in the spaces left by the hesitant acoustic guitar. The vocal harmonies are solid, matching the laid back feel. The imagery and lyrical flow is smoother here than some of the other songs. It's good for a band to have an eclectic range of songs. Sills and Smith's musical talent and skill at arrangement shows off their versatility. With better song sequencing or judicious editing, Uncertain Vista would have been a stronger offering. Drop by ReverbNation and give Sills and Smith a listen. http://jesterjaymusic.blogspot.com/

Posting on T.O. Snobs Music!

We just got a lovely mention from the terrific music blog T.O. Snob's Music http://www.snobsmusic.net/ "Sills And Smith: CD release show, new video From time-to-time I like to show some love to our friends in the nation's capitol. This week it's for the CD release show for Ottawa-based indie rock band Sills and Smith. The band will be feting the release of their new album Uncertain Vista. The show will take place on Friday, September 16th at the Corner Bar and Grill in Westboro (a great brunch spot if I do say so myself). Check out the video for the track "Writer's Retreat", which should appeal to fans of City And Colour:"" http://www.snobsmusic.net/2011/09/sills-and-smith-cd-release-show-new.html

Uncertain Vista Now Available in Digital and Physical Formats!

Our album Sills and Smith, Uncertain Vista is now available. We are very excited and proud of the music we have made and hope you'll share our enthusiasm once you hear the CD. Uncertain Vista is out in digital format, available for purchase through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, eMusic and Great Indie Music: CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/uncertainvista iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/uncertain-vista/id462351916?i=462351976&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=Sills+and+Smith+Uncertain+Vista&x=14&y=23 eMusic: http://www.emusic.com/listen/#/label/Sills-Smith-CD-Baby-MP3-Download/720171.html Great Indie Music: http://www.greatindie.com/ipnmusic/store/list.php?item_number=881295552722 Physical copies of Uncertain Vista are now available. Both locations of Compact Music in Ottawa (785 Bank Street and 190 Bank Street) have CDs for sale now, as does the Ottawa Folklore Centre (Bank near Sunnyside). CD Warehouse has discs for sale at its Clyde Avenue, Kanata (Terry Fox Drive) and St. Laurent locations. Our album is also being sold at Moondance in Peterborough (425 George Street North). CD Baby also has physical copies for sale through their website as of September 22nd. We will be shipping the discs to music stores further afield in the weeks to come.

A Writer's Retreat - Video Production

Music video of A Writer's Retreat being filmed by Jacob Fergus!

New Track - Angry Geezer - ready for upload next week !

will be uploading to the reverbnation player on Monday !

S&S