Back in 1999, not much could be said for Below the Sea. Based in Montréal and Quebec City, the trio (then comprised of Pascal Asselin, Patrick Lacharité and Mathieu Lévesque) had already done a few gigs yet still didn't really know one another. While experimenting with Patrick's four-track, they quickly realised that something more was on the horizon. In 2000, the band recorded for six months after signing with Where Are My Records. The Loss of Our Winter was based upon the idea of crafting songs that could be built into people's dreams... Things developed quickly. The album was released in Europe and began getting more and more attention both at home and abroad. Several compilation appearances and collaborative efforts came along and the experience gained pushed them to release a second album far more accomplished, Les Arbres Dépayseront Davantage. A four-track EP followed, garnering much attention. But after touring several European countries, a break was needed. Their third album should prove to be something different, as the band has sharpened their production skills and re-focused their energies, enlisting a new bass player that has solidified the core of the group. It will take years for the band to uncover all of the melancholia they've trapped away.
BLAME IT ON THE PAST'S REVIEWERS SAID...
[Blame It On The Past has a toe dipped in just about every stream you could imagine, yet it's strung together so beautifully and, more importantly, naturally, that you almost forget to notice how much is actually going on in any given song.]...[Below The Sea's music, for all its cerebral qualities, is emotionally tinged from every angle and it's this duality that makes Blame It On The Past so fulfilling to listen to] Mark Horan (indieworkshop.com)
[Usually when instrumental groups are trying to impress these days they go for scope and scale, and it’s a pleasant relief to find a band that are willing to devote as much expertise and effort to carving lovely miniatures out of the silence instead. There is never the air of the histrionic crescendo here; all epiphanies are gentle.]
Ian Mathers (stylusmagazine.com)
I've been listening to "Une Promenade En Noir Et Blanc" a lot lately... really wonderful song! It was great playing with you in Montreal, hope to do it again soon! cheers, - Mirza
you fellas are really something else. no matter how much music i procure i always come back to you, particularly Blame It On The Past. feel good about yourselves always for making me and my pals so very happy and affirmed.
So sad to hear that this is the end, but so glad that I got to spend so many great times with you my friends! Dqliq was one of my favorite BtS shows and now it seems that it was the last. I will always be grateful for all you did for me Below the Sea!
