Over the course of the last few years, the independent pop scene in Montreal has become quite vibrant, birthing a slew of interesting up-and-comers. Largely at the center of this movement is Arbutus Records, a label that has shed light on deserving artists like Blue Hawaii, Braids and Grimes and helped to make the city a music destination if you happen to be North of the Border.
TOPS are Arbutus’ next bunch of heat seekers, and though their album cover might make one think they’re a bunch of fresh faced youngsters, the quartet has actually spent a good deal of time playing in various Montreal bands of past and present including Silly Kissers and Pat Jordache. Their level of experience shines through on Tender Opposites, a record full of ethereal pop music that shares a lot in common with the AM radio sounds of the 70’s and 80’s.
The most noticeable feature of TOPS’ arsenal is the vocal work of Jane Penny. Her voice is reminiscent of Stevie Nicks and contemporary singers like Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab and Andrea Estella of Twin Sister to name a few. She’s able to provide a punch from the mic, should one be needed, as on the ramshackle breakdown of "Turn Your Love Around" but she can also stay out of focus, floating somewhere above the music, which she does to great effect on the spaced out wanderings of "Rings of Saturn".
The band is able to change gears throughout Tender Opposites, moving from reserved, slower compositions like "Double Vision" and "Evening" to the Ariel Pink aping disco/rock of "Diamond Look" and "Go Away" and impressively they do this without missing a beat. Even when they make an instrumental track, in this case it’s album closer ‘TOPS Theme", it seems to be perfectly considered and built to fit in perfectly at the end of the record.
Tender Opposites succeeds both as a pop record and as something from out of left field. The blending of the avant-garde with the everyday makes for an infinitely approachable record and one that rewards the listener throughout. It’s familiar at some points and completely alien at others, but it’s always accessible. With such a solid debut under their belts it wouldn’t come as a surprise if TOPS eventually achieve the same level of indie stardom as their label mate Grimes. But, even if the accolades and press don’t come they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, on Tender Opposites, it’s job well done.
Grade: B+
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