| CD REVIEW Caribou |
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Band : Caribou Caribou is the electronics project of one Daniel Smith, a Canadian born into a family of mathematicians (he himself also holds a phd degree on the matter) and now living in London (UK), which used to go under the name of Manitoba [released a total of 2 full-lengths, 2 CD-EPs, a 12-inch EP, and 2 CD-singles between October 2000 and September 2003 (when his March 2003 album was re-issued with bonus disc)]. In 2004 he was forced to take the name Caribou, under threat of lawsuit by Richard “Handsome Dick” Manitoba (real name Richard Blum), frontman of The Dictators. Since then, he’s re-released the two Manitoba full-lengths (in 2006) under the new name and released a shit-load of material [in chronological order: the March 2005 CD-single/ 12-inch Yeti, the April 2005 full-length The Milk Of Human Kindness, the Fall 2005 Tour-Only CD with new material (meant for sale during his tour with Super Fury Animals), the November 2005 DVD Marino, the August 2007 Andorra (which won the Polaris Music Prize in 2008), a new Tour-Only CD in September 2007, and the March 2008 album She’s The One]. His music, which is described as Electronica, Indietronica, and Psychedelic Pop, is made with the use of computers on the one side, but also with “organic” instruments such as drums, synth, bass, and guitar (although you’ll have a hell of a time analysing this in order to find proof of the latter instrument’s presence!). Overall, there’s a calm and serene Psychedelic touch to each and every song, and the vocals are…somewhat awkward to explain! You see, I like ‘em enough, but when trying to describe ‘em I risk being called a homophobe, since Daniel’s voice sounds like he’s part of London’s gay community. Alternatively, you might call his vocal style “androgyn”, but that doesn’t quíte hold! At any rate, his vocal style suits the songs to perfection, and makes ‘em complete! In fact, it’s hard to imagine these songs with a different type of singer, without altering their moods completely! Oh well, there’s a Last.fm page to find some audio, but I think you’re better off visiting the trusted MySpace (myspace.com/cariboumanitoba), where you’ll find the complete new album (posted in a separate music player, somewhat down the page), as well as 4 tracks off his previous full-length. When listening to what’s posted there, you’ll have to agree that Smith definitely has a weird, but also attractive twist in his mind, leading to nice melodic SynthPop tunes with a real fine underlaying intricacy! Live, Smith brings his music with a band (currently consisting of Ryan Smith, Brad Weber, and John Schmerzal) usually taking up position behind the drum kit himself. He’s also an accomplished DJ, often playing at after-parties. I meantioned the live set-up, because Caribou is currently touring (actualy, the band has dates lined up into September already). People who’ve missed the band’s performance at Brussel’s Beursschouwburg on April 22 need not worry…after a North-American tour, they’re back in Europe on June 16. You’ll have to wait until August 21 to see Caribou play in Belgium again though, more specifically at the Pukkelpop Festival! 90/100 Tony. |