Hopeful Monster
Where: Toronto
What: Psychedelic Chamber Pop
Visit: www.hopefulmonstermusic.blogspot.com
If anything, I’m including Hopeful Monster in this issue’s showcase as a plea for Jason Ball to record another album under the moniker; however, fans of the playfully psychedelic indie-pop project shouldn’t hold their breath.
After all, it was six years between 2008’s Metatasking and 2002’s Hopeful Monster. While Hopfeul Monster might have a sparse resumé, Ball has extensive experience in Canada’s independent music scene, including stints playing with Lily Frost, The Wilderness, The Heavy Blinkers, and the Guthries.
Ball recorded the group’s first album while living in Nova Scotia, enlisting the help of members of Matt Mays & El Torpedo as well as those of his previously mentioned partners. Since then, he’s packed up and moved to Toronto where he recorded Metatasking. With Beach Boys-worthy harmonies and what can only be described as pure pop genius, Hopeful Monster is one of Canada’s best-kept rock n’ roll secrets. Ball, if you’re reading, consider this column an official plea to keep making music as Hopeful Monster, because nobody else is coming close to the sounds you’re capable of.
Ben Conoley is a freelance journalist living in Fredericton, NB. He has written for chartattack, Exclaim!, Alternative Press, and more. Ben is also a proud member of the Polaris Music Prize jury.
Categories: Showcase