Yukon, Canada’s Electric Lemonade have just released their debut EP but are already showing the hallmarks of being the next giants of rock.
By Graeme Smith
The first thing that catches you about this debut is its title. All These Songs Are About You plays to our collective egos while feeling reminiscent of some of music’s most memorable lyrics (Carly Simon, anyone?) The band describe the collection as a “cheeky concept album” already subverting our expectations.
It’s our first hint at the cleverness on display across its six tracks. The second comes from the seductively storytelling lyrics of opener Sinners. We are drawn in by its story that unfolds against a spritely pop-punk backdrop. The rhythm canters along, urging us to move while its tale warms our hearts. It’s a strong start.
Waiting follows in moodier style. A stripped back intro puts the drums in the foreground and gives plenty of space to the expressive vocals. The lyrics are introspective, confessional, and cathartic. A fuzzy guitar solo proves an early EP highlight and heralds the track’s big finish.
While all the tracks on All These Songs Are About You sit comfortably within Electric Lemonade’s self-styled ‘fuzz-rock’ identity, I was impressed by the range of sounds the collection displays.
The liveliness of Sinners and introspection of Waiting is nicely contrasted by the cinematic longing of Shadowboxing which introduces elements of alternative folk rock and country a la Jenny Lewis and Rilo Kiley. It’s a track that truly grabs you emotionally, building to a gigantic finish that sticks with you. It’s a highlight.
You’re Watching Me too softens things while keeping a rock edge. It feels like Electric Lemonade at their poppiest, yet it maintains a rebellious spirit, beautifully demonstrating the band’s grasp of nuance.
The EP is rounded off by the punchy, soul-searching Ghosts and Interstellar Scars. The latter is the record’s edgiest moment. The band count Alabama Shakes and Soundgarden among their influences and that comes through strongest at the end. It’s a fine way of ending a collection that’s full of surprises.
Electric Lemonade are the trio of Sarah Murphy, Hannah Mazurek, and Rob Jones. Based in Whitehorse, they are truly putting the North of Canada’s music scene on the map and proving they rock just as hard up there as anywhere else.
If you want to keep up to date with them, you can do so by following them on Instagram.
All These Songs Are About You is out now, and you can listen to it below.
