TRACK REVIEW: Cubs Refrain - Breathe

TRACK REVIEW:

Cubs Refrain

Breathe

9.4/10

Breathe is available via:

https://soundcloud.com/cubs-refrain/breathe-1

GENRES:

Synth-Pop; Eledtroonic

ORIGIN:

Toronto, Canada

The album, Tell Me You Love Me (Deluxe), is available via:

https://open.spotify.com/album/7rrRZCo3wxN1R9Q8vmo7iw

RELEASE DATE:

6th April, 2018

_________

IT is back to Toronto…

I head as I look at a talented young duo. It is a rather interesting time for music so, with that in mind, the unique edges and expressions of Cubs Refrain have caught the ear. I will talk about their latest album/a standout track very soon but, before I get there, I wanted to look at Synth-Pop and songs that drive into the heart; how albums can come together and concepts; Canada and the richness of music coming through right now; music that can lift the senses and keep the energy levels up; media and the need to bring international music to this country – I will end by looking at duos and the male-female bond. I have looked at a lot of Pop artists the past few weeks and they all have their own sound and way of working. I am not a huge fan of the entire genre but there are areas of the genre that fascinate me. I feel like modern music is so wide and expansive that it can be hard to get a handle on everything going on and focusing on anyone. It is great seeing artists arrive and what they are about but there are few that remain in the consciousness for more than a few days. Erin and Jordan are Cubs Refrain and have been working together for a while now. Their music takes the mantle of Pop and then builds in synths and energised elements. It is not as sugary and commercial as mainstream Pop and has enough physicality and maturity to appeal to those who love their music with a bit more depth and clout. The reason I feel Synth-Pop is so appealing is because it is about optimism and motivation. There are Synth-Pop artists who look at emotive subjects but most use the platform to create something with more buzz and colour. I am looking for songs that get into the soul and do something wonderful – music that goes further and remains in the brain is to be commended and proffered.

There are many artists doing the same sort of work as Cubs Refrain but, with every Synth-Pop act out there, they bring their own take to the genre. This is not the first time I have encountered the Canadian duo but, with an album out there and doing well (more on that later), it got me thinking about their D.N.A. and what their music represents. Pop is a broad style of music that has evolved and altered through the years. Now, in 2018, we are seeing fewer commercial acts come to the fore and a more developed and deep sound. In terms of Electro-Pop acts, something interesting is happening. In Cubs Refrain, and many likeminded acts, I am seeing the sounds of the 1980s come into their work. The decade is often mocked and derided by many – seen as naff, uncool and rather lame. The thing is (that) we are seeing the decade come into modern music and artists of today are digging into the decade to add to their own sounds. Cubs Refrain look a bit young to have experienced the 1980s the first time around but you can hear little touches here and there. Mixed in with the 1980s sounds is modern-day Electro and some of the mainstream Pop tones that gives the overall sound a sweetness and kick. If you stir all of the tastes and colours together, you get something rather heady and compelling. As I say; there are others doing the same thing as Cubs Refrain so it can be hard distinguishing which acts should be highlighted and those that are producing something rather average. It is all well and good delivering music that has punch and energy but, if it doesn’t hit you and add any substance, one wonders whether there is much point to it. Luckily, there are few who are guilty of that but, in the case of Cubs Refrain, they have taken time to ensure what they put out is full of quality and originality.

Although Tell Me You Love Me has fourteen tracks and is a rather long thing, each track plays its role and the entire record is worthy of fond appreciation. Whereas love, interactions and emotions are part of a personal concept; what interests me most is how the album was recorded and made. In fact, if we track back and look at any concept album; there are risks associated with creating something like that because the words ‘concept’ and ‘album’ cause people to shiver and sniff. We do not see many of them in this day and age but, when it comes to Cubs Refrain’s latest record, it all works out. If it does not have the same intricacies and narrative as something like A Grand Don’t Come for Free (The Streets) you follow the story and involve yourself with all the revelations and developments. I am not sure whether there are particular people that compelled the songs – or it is based on loose experiences taken from Cubs Refrain’s life – but you get a record that collates sounds and ideas from several decades of music and pops them all together. I have described Cubs Refrain as ‘Electro-Pop’ but they bring in Indie and Rock to the palette. You get so many fantastic tones and sounds meshing together and it makes for a really vivacious and stylish album. Erin and Jordan independently spent months record, mixing and producing the fourteen-track album at the home studio they constructed. I imagine the beauty of nature and a rather perfect environment. Imaging all these songs and having that total control. I have tipped my hat to the variety of sounds we hear in Cubs Refrain’s music and how bits of the present and 1980s come together. It is the autonomy and personal input from the duo that makes the album so strong and natural. There are other players on the record, which I shall talk about, but the overall mood and direction of Tell Me You Love Me comes from the duo themselves.

Any concept record that arrives needs, ideally, to be experienced as a complete piece. One can listen to Cubs Refrain and their music – you can enjoy the individual tracks and get a lot from them. If you take an album that has an overriding theme and story behind it, the biggest benefit is listening to everything at once and letting it all sink in. I get these romantic visions of Erin and Jordan conspiring and imagining the songs that we hear on Tell Me You Love Me. I get the impression there is personal relevance to the music and each song relates to some aspect of their lives. There is so much going on the songwriting is uniformly excellent. I am excited seeing how Cubs Refrain develop and what their next album might contain. What we get now is something that has huge professionalism and personality coming through. The duo have taken care of all the creation and production and have made an album that means a lot to them. Each song has its own skin and one, Death of the Grand Piano 2017, Scissors on Wire, looks at the dismantling of a treasured grand piano. Throughout the album, you get so many wonderful stories and moments, it is impossible to put down. I shall move on from this point but admire the duo for taking charge and making an album that needed few other bodies. The cellos, drums and electric guitar we hear were all recorded acoustically. I am not sure whether all instruments were played solely by the duo but you get so much richness and imagination throughout their debut L.P. Lesser acts might be hard-pressed to make an album that ties different years, genres and themes together and make it work. Ambition and lofty ideals can crash and burn artists and critics can be rather cruel. There was little chance of that happening with Cubs Refrain. They have worked hard on this record and released something that steps back in time but it sounds perfectly organic in the current scene. Cubs Refrain are influenced by acts like CHVRCHES and you can hear similarities between the Scottish band and the Canadian duo.

Yesterday, I was in Toronto and reviewing For Esmé. I shall not repeat what I said then but, when looking at her music, I explored the scene in Toronto and why it is so alluring. The city holds so many treasures and there are fantastic venues to be found. Cubs Refrain are different in tone and nature to For Esmé but both have that distinctly Canadian sound. You could say the whole of Canada has an excellence and quality you cannot fault but, like any nation, each different area has its own vibe. The music coming from Toronto is different to that being made in, say, Montreal or Quebec. The reason I keep coming back to Canada is the variety and how consistent the artists are. It is a country that does not get the same oxygen as the U.S. – that is something that galls me. I love the music coming from America and there are few ‘mainstream’ artists from Canada. You have the likes of Drake, I guess, but more of the big-hitting acts are from America. It seems like the media has an obsession with what it deemed ‘popular’ and trending. I am not one of those people who values music in commercial terms: newer music that has more soul and originality is much more worthy. I think the nation warrants more celebration because, in my view, there is more happening compared to the U.K. and U.S. By that, I mean Canadian music is wider-reaching and more nuanced. You have the same commercial Pop acts but, in terms of other genres, all the boxes seem to be ticked. What I love about acts like Cubs Refrain is how they can add their own voice to Electro/Synth-Pop and not repeat what is already out there. Cities like Toronto stand in the mind because of the supportive nature of artists and the sense of community. You have that love and respect running through the area and the fantastic venues mean artists get a chance to cut their teeth in some spectacular spaces.

Canada has produced some legends through the years – including Neil Young – but the modern breed emerging are more intriguing. I feel we will see future legends coming from Canada that can match the best of the U.S. I am drawn to Cubs Refrain because I sense they want to remain in music for the long-run and inspire others. This is their debut album phase and the duo is keen to carve out their own landscape. Jordan and Erin have that connection and trust in one another and are a really solid unit. I feel the media needs to be more proactive when it comes to promoting music that falls outside of their comfort zone. Many British and American sources look at what is happening at home and they do not really take the time to explore anything coming from other nations. Maybe there is limited time to be too ambitious but, for U.S. journalists, Canada is right across the border. I wonder why few of the best new acts get highlighted by U.S. sites. I know there is a good local press in Canada but so many artists are being denied prominence and exposure – a trait the industry needs to stamp out. I feel Cubs Refrain will succeed and get where they need to be but it irks me so many good artists need to work tirelessly to promote their music. A lot of artists are quitting or getting disheartened because media sources overlook them or do not have time to cover them. I think more eyes and ears should be tuned the way of Canada and all the incredible music that is coming from there right now. In a busy and packed world of music, Cubs Refrain are worthy of bigger respect and, in time, will get that. Tell Me You Love Me is picking up good reviews but, like many artists, gigs and playing live is the way they will get their music to the people.

I compressed a few different points into the last paragraph and will finish on a couple of points. I hinted at the eclectic nature of Cubs Refrain and how the music gathers from various corners and explores a wide plain. If the variegation and scope attracts the mind and gets people curious; the energy and rush of the music gets the body involved and motivates movement. Synth-Pop is a genre that is gathering a lot of steam and is perfect for the summer months. Although Cubs Refrain are ripe in every season, what they have released on their debut album can soundtrack the warmer climate and get people moving. I am not certain whether the duo are heading around the country and involved with many festivals. There will be gigs coming up but, to me, there needs to be that contrast of more intimate venues and bigger spaces. Tell Me You Love Me is a record that, by its name, has intimacy and tenderness but the way that is expressed, at times, is bombastic and sparkling. Because of this, you need to witness the album in various-sized locations. I hope the guys get the chance to play some outdoor events and the people fall for them. They are picking up acclaim and traction but, to get it to new heights and countries, it is those all-important gigs that are most important. I hope the duo come to the U.K. and find the time/money to play some dates over here. Canada is a vast nation that has some wonderful venues that could easily house Cubs Refrain. I love their music and can hear the determination and strength right from the off. What amazes me is how confident and controlled their debut album sounds. They have taken great pains to make the record in their own visions and ensure there are no loose edges and sloppy tracks. Each expression is perfect in form and the brilliant production brings the music alive. The attack, intelligence and motivation you hear bouncing from the speakers infuses the blood and gets you excited.

I think there are some wonderful duos out there and, in terms of demographic, they are overtaking bands in terms of potential and quality. I get to experience many are whether they are of the same gender or not, it is the friendship and relationship at the heart that makes the music pop. Many of the male-female duos I experience are in relationships. That can be hard to balance and ensure there is no bleed-through that can impact the music. By that, that relationship can be strained if the duo spends too much time together. Home life and domestic life can spill into the music but, when they can get the balance right, you get some incredible music. The duo of Cubs Refrain, I assume, are not involved and it is the solid friendship and respect that means the music stays with you. I am not saying bands and solo artists lack that ability to infect the senses of awe but there is a different approach from the duo. The reason I love the formation is because it is tight and there is a second body. Solo artists have to shoulder a lot and they only have their own views and opinions. Bands can be democratic but, for the most part, the control comes from one person/the lead and their stock, in general, is waning – there are fewer big bands ruling in the market right now. Duos are not breaking into the mainstream that quickly – aside from the likes of Royal Blood and a few others – but the underground is sporting so many wonderful and interesting options. Let us think forward and look at why Cubs Refrain will get a lot of love. It is the skill, connection and intuition Erin and Jordan share that makes their music so incredible. There is the risk that, if they spend so much time together, there can be disagreements and debates – that is natural for any musician. You listen to their debut album and get the sense they were on the same page at every single step of the process.

Breathe is a perfect example of what Tell Me You Love Me is all about and what Cubs Refrain can produce. The song comes at the half-way point of the album and begins with delightful, high-sounding blips. There is a racing series of notes and something that percolates and delights the taste buds. The heroine comes to the microphone and delivers a smooth and breathy vocal – one that has sweetness and a sense of questioning. She is breathing in the afternoon – feeling this too soon. That might sound oblique and disconnected but it is an interesting way to open the song. Rather than come in with something rather vague or cliché; you have an expression that gets the mind working and forensically seeking. Maybe there is the headiness of love and a premature sense of affection; perhaps a contentment has come along as more caution should be imposed. Without too much revelation and explanation, you start to figure the song out and where it might head. The need to end a fight and resuscitate things is evident. It seems the sweethearts have been squabbling and fractured and they need to step back from the carnage. Whilst the lyrics look at tensions and a need for relief, the music keeps that alacrity and sense of upbeat high. The vocal carries weight but remains sweet and agile throughout. The Pop vibes keep the song from being too weighty and downcast; the arresting and bubbling synths add a seriousness and adult tone that takes the mind away from mainstream Pop. The duo combine vocals and give the song an extra layer. There is a conversation occurring that expresses two viewpoints but the truth has unity: the need for things to change and get back to a good footing. The composition gets more arresting and bold as the song progressed. The notes have that twinkling and spacey quality; it gets packed and brighter and, with it, takes the mind away. Jordan come to the microphone and wonders if the winds will change – so this fight can end and things can get back to normal.

It is when Erin and Jordan combine their vocals you get the biggest rush. They have different sounds and personalities so it is good hearing them working against one another and melting together. I guess one might need to look back on the Tell Me You Love Me to get a sense of why there is a fight and what caused this breakdown. The duo are determined to end things as they are and find something more positive. The vocals get more determined and they want to remain in each other’s lives. There is an addictive quality to Breathe that means you are invested throughout and keen to see where the story heads. It seems like things were great but now things have gone sour. Maybe the sweethearts want different things and they are on different pages. Perhaps the relationship hit a rough patch and, rather than talk and spend time apart, they have been too involved and unable to repair things. That passion and sense of physicality keeps the song above the parapet and keeps the mood lighter. It might sound strange but you never feel depressed or too anxious hearing the song. Even though the words express something broken and frayed; the listener is treated to a composition that keeps its head up and its body racing. By the end of Breathe, you wonder what will happen and whether things can be salvaged. Although the song deals with something routine and commonplace; the way it is expressed and delivered means things are never ordinary and predictable. Many will relate to what is being said in the song. It takes a few listens for the song to get into the head as there is a lot happening throughout. There are few artists that can balance the cheeriness and adventure of a composition and serious lyrics and make it work. The song is never cheapened and you are always rooting for the couple to get back together. Rather than accuse and throw acid at one another; there is that dialogue and need for repair and discussion. Although things night not return to what they were; maybe they will be able to find some sort of compassion and dispense with the bitterness. It is a strong and authoritative effort from the Canadian duo and the highlight from Tell Me You Love Me – Breathe is a song that will get into the mind and leave its impressions for weeks to come.

I have talked a lot about aspects of Cubs Refrain: where they come from and what music they make; why their debut L.P. is exceptional and where they might head. I feel like there is a lot of room they can gain and momentum is in their favour. I wonder whether they will come to the U.K. and what dates they have in the diary. Tell Me You Love Me is a record that can adapt to any market and venue. Even though there is a lot of spirit and energy throughout; that does not mean it is restricted to big locations and the summer. There is intimacy and revelatory tenderness at times and music that can be pared-down and made acoustic. The duo have the option to ramp things up and add more players; they can strip their music to the bone and have that adaptable quality. Music is such a crowded place and it is always hard keeping track of everything happening. There are artists that slip through the cracks and it is disappointing to consider after all the effort they put in. That may sound rather defeatist but music is so open and vast there are going to be casualties along the way. In terms of Cubs Refrain and where they can go, there is a horizon ahead of them and a lot of exciting days. I know there will be international dates coming up and the duo will get a chance to amaze different nations. I will end this by highlighting the benefits and qualities of Cubs Refrain and their new work. I have focused on one track but, as I explained earlier, a concept album like Tell Me You Love Me needs to be viewed as a whole. Songs work when they are isolated but take on a different quality where they are part of a complete story. Erin and Jordan have created something compelling and, in the process, announced themselves to the world. It may take time before they truly get into the top flights but they are working hard to put their music out there. The scene is changing and, as said, the band market is not as profitable as it once was. Duos are starting to come through and, alongside affection for Synth-Pop and the music of the 1980s, this all works in the favour of the Canadian duo. Make sure you grab Tell Me You Love Me and let it get inside your head. It may only be the debut album from Cubs Refrain but it shows they have the promise to…