The Dirtmitts 
Who: The Dirtmitts
What: Melodic Alternative
Where: Vancouver, BC
To Contact: Sonic Unyon Recording Company, (905) 777-1223, www.sonicunyon.com.

Five years ago, Natasha Thirsk and Jennifer Deon decided to "Start taking their musical career seriously." In October 2002, their band The Dirtmitts released its first full-length recording Get On on Sonic Unyon. It may have taken a while, but the result was worth the effort. The band professes their love for 'a great song with a strong hook.' One listen to their CD Get On confirms that that is exactly what this four-piece from Vancouver is all about. The Dirtmitts' sound is a compliment of dominant guitar wash, sweet vocal harmonies, harmonically functional bass lines, and rock-solid drumming. Stylistically, parallels could be drawn between The Dirtmitts and a band like The Breeders, but these guys have something extra. While their music is not complex, its simplicity seems a choice, rather than a necessity. When Dave Genn [formerly of Matthew Good Band/Holly McNarland] and Tridon produced this recording, they clearly had this mind. They made the decision to continue to direct attention towards the songs themselves rather than individual musicianship, which is nonetheless strong. The reason Get On is such a good recording is because the compositions are strong and do shine in the spotlight. Probably the greatest testament to a well-written song is when the audience walks away humming. After hearing the title track on Get On for the first time, I had the melody in my head: "Stuck in the middle, I'm stuck in the middle..." It's still stuck in my head.

Ember Swift 
Who: Ember Swift
What: Progressive Folk-Funk
Where: Toronto, ON
To Contact: Few'll Ignite Sound, (416) 533-9863, www.emberswift.com.

Stiltwalking is Ember Swift's seventh and latest release on her own label Few'll Ignite Sound. Perhaps the most helpful way to enlighten those whose haven't been exposed to her music would be a comparison to other artists who similarly defy standard classification. There are definite hints of Frank Zappa in Swift's complex arrangements and use of a multitude of musical styles. Frequent use of spoken word in place of melody and the inclusion of violin in many of the arrangements also draw parallels to some of Laurie Anderson's work. There are even brief moments listening to Stiltwalking where the quirky inventiveness of early Primus came to mind. Obviously, the musicianship necessary to successfully pull off such music must be extremely good. Bassist/violinist Lyndell Montgomery and drummer Michelle Josef are invaluable assets in this regard. The sound of the recording itself is very natural, due in part to the use of quite a few acoustic instruments and older analog synths. Swift's intelligent lyrics can be both light-hearted and politically charged, depending on her mood. Given her musical direction, it is not surprising that Swift has assumed the role of independent artist to the extent that she even runs her own label. This freedom allows her to produce and release music that proves that innovation is still alive in popular music. Stiltwalking is the proof.

Grindig 
Who: Grindig
What: Adrenaline rock with global influence
Where: Toronto, ON
To Contact: Shoreline Records Inc., www.shorelinerecords.com.

Have you ever gone to see a great live show, run out to buy the album and ended up disappointed with what came out of your speakers? Wasn't quite the same was it? That's because successfully recreating the energy of a great live band in the recording studio can be a challenge at best. If you want to hear how it's done well, take a listen to Grindig's recent self-titled release. One listen to the CD incites an urge to go out and see this band live - once you've finished practicing your stage diving off the couch. Toronto's Grindig play a contemporary brand of aggressive but fun guitar-rock injected with a multitude of other musical styles that include Latin, Ska, and Funk amongst others. Their music is reminiscent of Fishbone when they were still in their heyday: raw energy mixed with stylistic versatility and solid musicianship. Like Fishbone, there is no denying that Grindig have character. What else would you expect from a group of Kensington Market butchers who got together and named their band 'Grandpa'. [Grindig is Japlish for Grandpa.] This is a band with a ton of energy, a keen sense of humour and a level of musicianship that reveals a real desire to eventually hang up their cleavers and quit their day jobs.

Credit: Julian Mainprize is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

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