Toronto Supergroup UWUW Release Captivating Retro-Soul-and-Pop Influenced Debut LP
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UWUW (pronounced you-you) have just released their debut, self-titled LP on We Are Busy Bodies Records. With some of Toronto’s most experienced and revered musicians making this project possible, it’s no wonder why the sonic presence of this project demands your attention and doesn’t let you go.
The impressive cast of players includes Jason Haberman of Dan Mangan and Yaehsun, Jay Anderson of Badge Epoque Ensemble, Biblical and Lammping, and Ian Blurton of Ian Blurton’s Future Now, Change of Heart, and C’mon. Giving the songs a voice are two of Toronto’s most distinctive songwriters: Chris A. Cummings (aka Marker Starling) adding his distinct, easy-glide, story-telling charm to Box Office Poison and Scattered Ashes, and Drew Smith (Bunny, The Bicycles), providing his trademark, 60s harmony pop and lyrical prowess to Staircase and Landlord.
Drew Smith, while commenting on his song writing process for their debut album, said “the overall theme to the songs was nature reaping what is sowed.” There’s a lot to unpack in this album, which contains old-school soul grooves, slow burning instrumentation, pounding rhythms and thoughtful lyrics that bring energy and life to the superbly-crafted songs.
The catchy lead single “Scattered Ashes” breathes soul and rock, while blurring sounds and influences which call to mind James Brown’s horn section and the compositional layers of experimental Beach Boys recordings. The track titled “Staircase to the End of the Night” is another wonderfully symphonic composition that gets in your head and won’t let go. It contains tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a heavy rhythm that surprises and delights.
Regarding the song, Smith mentions being influenced by The Doors: “The first rock n’ roll band I ever loved, for better or worse, was The Doors. That must play into the lyrics of this song a little bit - “The End, End Of The Night.” It's not a big leap to see that those tunes are imprinted in my musical DNA. Most of the lyrics and harmonies were suggested by the music. It's already in there. It's not even a case of heavy lifting, just listening. I was just interpreting what Ian, Jay and Jason put to tape. My job was more fun than work.”
Listen to the S/T EP now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with UWUW on their social media.