Tree hug
Chris Whibbs
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Shut up and listen to the Forest City Lovers
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Kat Burns embraces the rest of the Forest
Loud talking at a show is a sore point with many people. Some throw vitriol and hilarious shushes, while others are low-key about it. But that's the nature of the beast, I guess. So how do artists who play quiet, unassuming music, like Toronto's Forest City Lovers, cope with the noise? In this case, the Lovers soldier on bravely with their unique folk-pop that subtly interlaces the various moods and themes of frontwoman Kat Burns.
Indeed, for a while, the band was "Kat Burns and Forest City Lovers," but as the band coalesced, it was time for a group hug. As Burns recently explained, "As a solo performer I had no problem using my name, but as the band began to develop I felt that I wanted to have a name that represented the collaborative effort. We recorded the album when the lineup wasn't fully solidified yet, so I was still going under my name for a short time. But then I decided that I didn't want to release the record under just my name, so a brainstorming session occurred and Forest City Lovers became the project name."
The band's sublime debut album (that was recorded with members of Ohbijou), The Sun and the Wind (2006), uses Burns's fragile yet absolutely devastating voice to great effect. But it is the shuffling and sometimes whisper-quiet accompanying music that makes it a different listen. Today, complimenting the lovely Ms. Burns is a whole new band that even has an Ottawa connection.
As Burns notes, "[Violinist] Mika Posen wants to convey how much she loves Ottawa,
and how happy she is to be playing in her hometown!" Making the show even more momentous are Forest City Lovers' tour mates The D'Urbervilles, whose manic, nervy post-punk energy seems at odds with the decidedly laid-back Lovers. But regardless of the difference in sound, Burns says that it was a natural juxtaposition since both bands are good friends and share a bassist. "It's also enjoyable to watch audiences mesh together... We're soft when we need to be, but heck, we can bring the rock if we need to!"
Forest City Lovers
w/ The D'Urbervilles
Sunday, March 11, at 4 p.m., $7
Black Sheep Inn
