By Jesse Hunter
What is better than eating locally grown food? Listening to locally grown music. Peer Support is a self-described “five-piece melodic indie rock act from Calgary with influences as diverse as the city that they call home.” The tight-knit group has recently released their first self-titled EP, a three track album that feels like a deep breath of fresh air in a city experiencing a post-Stampede smog.
The album’s first track “Kremlin Gremlin” begins with a burst. The first note propels an energetic rhythm that supports a pleasing introductory guitar melody, captivating listeners even before the deep resonant voice of Taylor McKee is infused into the sound. The whole album is filled with a lyrical flow that does not rush or override the other components of the sound. The result is an incredibly pleasing experience, that is easy to listen to and enjoy.
The second track “Parts Unknown” is a transition into an intimate and reflective musical space infused with an anthem-like collection of voices. During these first moments of the recording, a chanting acapella progression rises up, setting the stage for a song that seems to rise up in resistance against a fragmented familiarity that stalks the waves of radio. A persistent and powerful back beat carries listeners through smooth melodic transitions, causing you to want to tap your feet. The sound bravely immerses itself in hardship — never lingering in, yet never avoiding, a familiar loneliness. Strings and horns emerge, deepening the sound before the track concludes with the same hymn-like vocals it began with.
The final song “Augustine” showcases the bands diversity with a hard-edged mood coming through the gritty guitar, confident percussion and aggressive vocals. The tempo is a steady canter, and the timbre is infused with a silky voice that subtly sweetens the track. Vibrant guitar takes precedence, causing heads to rock until the final note fades.
The sense of liberty in this album is impressive, even before arriving at the first chorus of the first song. A communion of distinct artistic stories bleed together and the result is Peer Support, a band of friends. This three-song EP is just a taste of what will hopefully be a full-course Peer Support meal in the future.