SPIRITS aren't afraid to write pop music.
You
can hear a variety of influences - early U2, Duran Duran, "Let's
Dance"-era David Bowie, Hall & Oates - but there isn't a hint of
irony or nostalgia. SPIRITS are writing pop music for their time - songs
to turn up and sing along to.
SPIRITS combines the writing
talents of accomplished songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Ian Smith
and Brad Germain to create what Smith calls "something with less
inhibitions, really fun, and as dance-y as possible." Drummer Nick
Skalkos completes the trio, bringing a third vocal to the live show.
According
to Smith, what started in the summer of 2006 "for shits and giggles"
has developed into more than fifteen multi-layered guitar and
keyboard-filled songs. As for the musical direction, they both say that
it didn't take much of a discussion. "We didn't want it to be a heavy
band. We were shooting for it to be more 'poppy,' just focusing on the
melodies of the song," says Germain. Self-produced in Kitchener,
Ontario, the trio put it all together "with cheesy keyboards," some
interchangeably played guitars and a hassle-free atmosphere.
But,
don't let the pop tag fool you - SPIRITS are more than just a small
group with big sound; they are as comfortable channeling The Cure or
Echo & The Bunnymen, as they are U2 or Hall and Oates, and there is a
depth to their lyrics beyond just a memorable chorus.
