Boompa Volume One

Boompa is one of many newer indie labels offering more unique local and international acts a place to just be themselves. Australia's Sekiden get things off to a brisk start with their digital meltdown opening - call and response ending with "Alexander"- don't blink, you'll miss it. Run Chico Run's "Jacques And Madeleine"has a an intriguing low-fi darkness meets lounge vibe to it. Calgary's The Dudes arrive, their guitars giving you the impression they're right for riding into the sunset with their catchy, car-cruising, indie rock gem "Dropkick Queen of The Weekend". Choppy, hypnotic harmonizing guitars open Reverie Sound Revue's "Rip the Universe" to an intelligent electro-back beat and deceivingly carefree vocals. On to the much ballyhooed Sparrow, featuring Jason Zumpano, offering a splendid slice of intelli-Pop in "Mountain On Mountain" with some fine changes in tempo and welcoming descending chords. The Dirtmitts offer their postscript (?) performance with something a bit faster, and simpler, but no less charming: "House Arrest". Former Carnations member, Thom D'arcy, brings along his new project The Ladies & Gentlemen, complete with circling keyboards fills, almost whispered vocals and a chorus which doesn't leave your head: "You can "Stay" if you want to. But you can't sleep in my bed." The keyboard fills don't either. A more rhythmic ,minimalistic and electronic adventure awaits you with Circlesquare's "Non-Revival Alarm".

Other memorable tracks include: Natasha Thirsk's deceptively simple "Don't Think", which she funnily enough didn't want on the album. The Lucksmith's, with their lovely 1960's tinge, with chiming guitars and later trumpet fills (courtesy of The Salteens' Rob Calder) in "Midweek Midmorning" , and The Salteens closing out a very eventful listening with an alternate version of "Time you Have Been Wasting". Here come the trumpet fills again! Yippee!! To know more about all things Boompa visit: www.boompa.ca