BEST OF OTTAWA 2019: Albums (PART 1, A-N)

As 2019 comes to a close, we wanted to celebrate the year that was in Ottawa music. This isn’t a ranked list, nor is it specific to a certain number of genres. The artists and their projects included on this list range in genre, from pop to hip hop; from rock to ambient post-rock. It is a collection of the music released by Ottawa musicians, shared with you, the listener. These collections have been broken up into FIVE categories: Best Album, Best EP, Best Single, Best Music Video, and Best New Artist.

In this collection, we are taking a look at Ottawa musicians that released an album, with a minimum of 7 tracks, between December 13, 2018, and December 13, 2019. The list is in alphabetical order. Click the album art for a closer look.

Chris Landry and the Seasick Mommas - Two Ninety-Three

Two Ninety-Three is an excellent alt-country album. The first track “You Don’t Call Me Like You Used To” is lyrically blunt and has a sing-a-long feel to it. The album takes off even further from there, as “Carpark Graveyard” features unexpected, but beautiful, vocal harmonies that really pack a punch when they first appear in the song.

City Fidelia – PainKiller

PainKiller is a self-analyzing journey through the mind of City Fidelia. He explores themes of addiction, loss, love, family and talks about his various coping mechanisms on his debut LP. Tracks like “Liquid Courage”, “Only Girl” and “Take Care” are prime examples. The album is also loaded with local features and producers. “It’s Not You, It’s Me” features Jeff Sanon and is a stand out on the album. Additionally, “About You” was produced by Ottawa Pop artist Andrew Waines and “Can’t Sleep” features a strong feature from YNR Davinchi.

Fire Antlers - Futuria Fantasia

“Futuria Fantasia” is the debut album from Ottawa indie-pop-rockers, Fire Antlers. A far cry from their 2015 EP “Crawl”, this album is a major step up, musically, for the band. Tracks like “The Hideaway Standoff”, “Boldly Go” and “Twilight Run” have infectious drum arrangements (all on a 1975 Rhythm Ace FR 8L drum machine) and catchy-as-hell guitar riffs to get you moving. Tracks like “6 AM” and “Our Friend” are more synth driven and have a strange, calming effect.

Garçons - Be Human

Both funky and soulful at the same time, while also chill and lo-fi sounding at times. Each song is a smooth groove and is a welcomed ear-worm. Not only that, but the music videos for the songs they released are creative, fun and beautifully shot. This seems to be a theme of the band because everything they do is presented in this way, right down to the music. “Ladybug” and “Save” are booth smooth, soulful jams, but the album picks up with the high energy of “Pedigree”, “Firestarter” and “Froggin” (the latter is featured in our best music videos list). Be Human is a must-listen for fans of Ottawa music. These guys are going to blow up in no time.

Gerry Wall – The Early Dreams

Excellent folk record from an experienced Canadian songwriter. “The Early Dreams” is music in the vein of Canadian Alt-Folk, and sounds like something Jim Cuddy would have released in the early 2000s. The first track, ”Most Criminals”, is a prime example of this.

Jonathan Pearce – Systems

The former frontman of indie-folk band Winchester Warm, Jonathan Pearce is back with a new collection of songs. The album features local drummer Pat Johnson (Telecomo, the Acorn) and was recorded by Dave Draves at Little Bullhorn Studios in Ottawa. Tracks like “Rocks” and “Lightly Served” jump out and demand the listener’s attention, while tracks like “That Process” and “Something I Couldn’t Say” are more traditional folk songs, perfect for quiet Saturday morning listening.

Kimberly Sunstrum - The Slow Sprint

The Slow Sprint is a very well produced folk album from Kimberly Sunstrum. Tracks like “Never Been Lonely”, “The Glow” and “Circle Tree” all showcase the growth in Kimberly’s songwriting. “Honey Sweetie” is also a fantastic track and is another example of her growth musically and lyrically. There is even some slight genre crossover, as “You’ll Move On” and “Honey Sweetie” could both work on country radio. The album was released at the end of November, and Kimberly performed in front of a sold out NAC 4th Stage audience.

Mayfield - Careless Love

The debut album from Ottawa post-hardcore mainstays, Mayfield, is a very strong introduction to one of the city’s hardest working bands. Recorded and mixed Sam Guaiana (We Were Sharks, Like Pacific, Silverstein), Careless Love is incredibly well produced. With incredibly shout-along lyrics in the chorus' of tracks like “Recovery”, “Blossom” and “My Heart Gets Left Behind”, Careless Love is a record full of post-hardcore anthems. The band feels right at home in the genre, and the album will definitely breathe more life into an already flourishing local scene.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2, O-Z.

COMING SOON!

Adam Moore