Music
Press
“The star attraction at the upcoming Canadian Music Week.” - Toronto Star
“Singer/guitarist Joel Passmore’s burnt-like-black-coffee-voice has a unique bite to it, but is easily sweetened by the melodic richness of Riva Farrell’s own vocals…they may just be the next Arcade Fire.” - The Spill Magazine
"Sylvie, an absolutely breathtaking rock band that put a recognizably Canadian spin on a sound explored by bands like Minus The Bear and Burning Airlines. The back-and-forth canon melodies of Passmore and bassist/vocalist Riva Farrell Racette are stunning and the music that supports them is perfectly calculated, calm and collected." - Dose
"A nearly flawless marriage of melody and volume, with stunningly awesome vocal dynamics over intricate instrumentation with passion to spare ... The album is just disgustingly good. Sickeningly terrific.”
- Leader Post
“This album is the culmination of years of hard work, patience, and perseverance from one of Regina’s oldest and most important bands. An Electric Trace is essential for fans of talented, innovative songwriting and dizzying musical proficiency.” - The Carillion
"Sylvie’s melodic compositions never seem to fall into a comfortable groove, challenging the band and the listener to expect more from what, on the surface, may appear to be a deceptively simple tune.” - Exclaim!
“Bottom line, this is a catchy record that proves that there is still room for rock to be original and powerful.” - Unboundzine.com
“Sylvie's sound is enticingly uncategorizable -- layered and intricate, drawing on post-punk and math-rock aggressiveness but retaining melodic pop elements.” - Toronto Sun
“Their stellar second album will doubtlessly propel them onto the A-list of Canuck independent talent. An Electric Trace is a sterling collection of angular post-punk and abrasive indie rock tunes.” - SceneandHeard.ca
Discography
An Electric Trace (2005, Smallman Records)
I Wish I Was Driving (2002, Does Everyone Stare? Records)
Photos
Bio
Together since 1999, SYLVIE developed alongside the members’ other bands, emerging finally as their main focus with the release of their sophomore album, 2005's AN ELECTRIC TRACE. This full-length album was recorded with Juno award winning producer Brandon Friesen at Studio 411 in Winnipeg. Sonically, the album proves that Sylvie is a band that has chemistry between members and a drive to stay creative and fresh. The pairing of Joel’s intense, raspy vocals with Riva’s melodic charm creates a sound that captures audiences wherever they play. Sylvie has toured with such notables as Death From Above 1979, Wintersleep, Uncut, Hot Hot Heat, The Constantines and The Smugglers, amongst many others.
In 2003, Sylvie's drive and hard work paid off with a nomination at the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA). Their initial album, entitled I WISH I WAS DRIVING - released through Does Everyone Stare Records - was nominated for Outstanding Independent Album Of the Year. This category included other artists such as Corb Lund, the Be Good Tanya's, and the Swollen Members. Sylvie also played at the 2003 MuchMusic/Exclaim! showcase as well as the industry awards show.
Since then, it has been nothing short of a whirlwind of activity for Sylvie. Their second full-length album AN ELECTRIC TRACE was released October 25, 2005 through Smallman Records. That year they showcased at NXNE and toured across Canada with Wintersleep, Uncut, and Death From Above.
In 2006, they toured with controller.controller, and again with Wintersleep and Small Sins. In February, Sylvie headlined with support from Ghosts of Modern Man and From Fiction for six weeks on their way to Canadian Music Week where they showcased at the Horseshoe Tavern for the Chart Magazine Night.
In June of 2006, Sylvie was honoured on stage with the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award at their NXNE showcase. The Galaxie Rising Stars Program of the CBC is an original program designed to champion up-and-coming Canadian artists. Launched in 1998, this program sets out to discover, encourage and promote new artists. Past recipients include The Arcade Fire, The Ladies and Gentlemen (a.k.a. Small Sins), and Great Lake Swimmers.
Currently in production on their highly anticipated third album, the as-yet-untitled release is produced by J. Robbins of Jawbox fame and is scheduled for release in October 2008.
"Rise & Fall" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqm6Vr-DUc0
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