New Music: An Empty Room Filled With People by Willows
An electronic dream pop duo from Ottawa called Willows just released their debut EP this week titled An Empty Room Filled With People. A subdued “Part 1” on their Bandcamp beneath the five tracks is all we have to hint at the possibility of an LP in the works.
Fans of Ottawa’s The Adding Machine will recognize the face of energetic rapper Defckon but maybe not his voice. Here Johnny McArthur takes his vocals to a level that he can’t in rap, taking it higher and lower than humanly possible with synthetic effects. The technological tricks don’t cover up a lack of pitch however, as Johnny is spot on with his harmonics. His partner Eric Moore also adds his voice to the track “Said It’s Over,” and both provide all the bass, guitar & keys on each song.
While this EP and project are brand new, the two have been making music independently and as a duo for a few years running. Willows is the latest manifestation of their work together, however in the past they have experimented in everything from hip hop to down-tempo electro, and even metal.
These are sad songs, hybrids of shoegaze and electro pop. There’s something catchy about all this heartbreak particularly in the track “Destitute” and “True.” What stands out about this record is that the myriad of influences can be heard, even if only briefly. It is pop at its core, but don’t be mistaken – there are layers to the album that can slowly be peeled off with each song and each listen. This kind of music isn’t as prevalent in Ottawa, and it’s refreshing to see artists experimenting with different sounds and styles. Willows pushes the envelope to deliver five songs that truly stand on their own.
Willows played their first show as a unit at Zaphod’s on December 17, which Eric covered. We hope to see them out there again soon, one gets the feeling as though these guys are just getting started. Cop a feel below!