It’s that time of the year when you start checking the music that stuck in your ear so far, as well as checking whether you missed something that truly deserves attention.
Speaking about the latter category, there is always a gem hidden there somewhere, that simply slipped under the radar, and its radiance and shine simply lighten the gloomy autumn/early winter days.
This year that award goes to Montreal trio Afternoon Bike Ride (ABR) and their album Glossover.
ABR ― Lia (vocals, guitar, programming), David (vocals, guitar, drums, programming), and Éloi (vocals, keys, drums, programming) ― have been quietly coming up with some seemingly unassuming, subdued pop, that underneath its, well, quietness, radiates with some brilliant melodies that defy genre categorization, and ranging from pure pop to folk and jazz, often within a single song.
It is all there, with some discreet, charming intimacy, and a penchant for musical details with the trio’s vocals and harmonies carrying the torch. With such an approach, Glossover is one of those albums that keep on revealing its delicate layers with every play. Afternoon Bike Ride delivered a true delight.
