Music
Press
''There is little music-scene savvy or pretense with this group. They sing that way too: honestly and without the amplified self-awareness so common with indie-rock bands. (819) 643-6697Surprisingly simple, their Dave Draves-produced debut disc has all the feel of a few unplugged barroom sessions. One of the band's three vocalists will step up to the mic on a given tune as the disc meanders stylistically through country's tried-and-true territory: travellin' tunes, creaky ballads, yarns on life and death, and odes to whisky.
In that way, there's nothing new; the charm is in what the disc conjures up. On Traction you hear shades of Neil Young -- dirty blues, Americana and bluegrass woven through 13 songs. Took Me Away is dour and lamenting, while I'll Be Around is full of back-porch reflection. Ain't Gonna (Bruce Street Song) is a jukejoint bender.
Fiftymen contemporaries, the Chislers play tunes that are grizzled in the right places and full of anguish in others. Authentic misery is a hot commodity -- Johnny Cash et al have traded on it for years -- and it's the disc's strongest point.''
Fateema Sayani
- Ottawa Citizen
Discography
Traction, 2008, as The Chislers
The Standardbreds, Release Fall 2012
Photos
Bio
The Standardbreds are a four piece Barn band based out of Wakefield Quebec. With more dirty jeans than rhinestone vibe, The Standardbreds meander stylistically through Americana, bluegrass and garage blues to achieve an authentic and unpretentious sound.
Their debut album (Traction) released as the Chislers was recorded at little bullhorn studio in Ottawa by Dave Draves. Boasting a 4 star review from the Ottawa citizen, the album earned airplay on CBC radio and regular rotation on college and university stations. Opening for acts such as The Fiftymen and Serena Ryder and playing venues like the Ottawa blues fest have solidified The Standardbreds place in the Ottawa music scene.
Always hard working the Standardbreds are set to release their second full length studio album early 2013. Recorded and Mixed by Luther Wright in Adolphustown Ont. and Farrelton, QC. The new album continues in the same song writing tradition, infused with the gritty live sound one comes to expect from the Standardbreds.
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