The City Above began when two formerly estranged, childhood friends reunited and overcame the initial awkwardness by getting back to what had made them close to begin with: writing songs.
A few months and 14 new songs later they had an LP called Mongrel Comets. A quick trip to the pressing plant and it was unleashed on December 4th, 2006. By this time, three more members had been added, and The City Above emerged from the home studio and took to Ottawa's stages.
Esteemed Ottawa blog iheartmusic.net had this to say (http://www.iheartmusic.net/serendipity/index.php?/archives/1152-Looking-up-to-The-City-Above.htmlcomments): 'If there's a flaw with Mongrel Comets, it would be its length: at 73 minutes, it seems a bit long. But in this case, it's definitely a case of showing that it's not bad to have too much of a very good thing.'
The blog also called us 'one of Ottawa's must unjustly overlooked bands.'
Chartattack.com says the album is “a little gem of woozy rock, guitars that shimmer, tastes of shoegaze and even a hint of early Yo La Tengo. It's a fresh sound among the current crop of bands in Ottawa.”
'Albion Road Song' from the album was included by Fateema Sayani of The Ottawa Citizen on her end of year, '10 tracks you can't miss' list on Dec. 30, '06: "Winsome, down-on-my-luck neighbourhood tale is sung to tender, tear-stained guitar rock."
Ottawa's crack lensman and 1 gig goer Andrew Carver covered the gig we played with Daiquiri and Fucked Corpse.
You can get your hands on Mongrel Comets at the following esteemed locations:
End Hits, Sounds Unlikely, Birdman Sound, Compact Music and all three CD Warehouse locations. We also cater to agoraphobes, and those who like to try before they buy.
Now in digital form:
Things are slow but steady: I am re-recording some songs and I have a few new ones of the way. Listen to the latest one on www. sonicbids. com/zingzing (Under A Bridge). Let me know what you think!
Planning a gig or two, early Fall. We'll see!
Take care! Hope to catch you guys live very soon and hear that new CD!
I need some new City Above ! It's a jones thang...you feeling me? as the assholes say 'round this particular barrio: MS Mara Salvatruja - Whatever... & death by Machette...What a future!
Hey TCA Hope you guys are well! Books on Books along with Flotilla and Pillar of Fire are playing a show this coming Saturday, Sept 15 @ Irene's Pub. If you're not busy you should come on out! Doors @ 9pm and cover is $5. Love Books on Books
Hey kids - a little note to let you know we're launching our new CD with two Ottawa shows: one this Sunday at 4 PM at The Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield (with Glenn Nuotio) and the other Thursday July 5 at Zaphods (with Marie-Josee Houle). Maybe see you at one or the other!
Sultry sounding stuff City Above (how's that for alliteration).
IndieCan is home to THE TORONTO INDIE SCENE, a weekly front row seat and back stage pass to Canada's great emerging music scene. Come download a show or two or three for free. It's always free. Tell us what you think.
Cheers,
Joe Chisholm host THE TORONTO INDIE SCENE www.indiecan.com THIS WEEK: NXNE with Vancouver's Rally Car, live at IndieCan and CBC Radio 3's Music Director, James Booth
Oh man! No probs guys! It was great to finally share the stage with you! We had such a good time! I can't believe we didn't screw up more than we did! hehe
Thanks again to Ken for letting me use your drums as well!!
Thanks for stopping by and checking out the music before. If you'd like you can get the free Maltese CD-R (click for download) which features synth and laptop beats to go along w/ the guitar atmospherics.
Hey Paul! It is gonna be a blast on the 13th for sure. Can't wait. Unfortunately I cannot make it now. My gf (gone for 6 months) just got back in town and planned something for us tonight... Sorry mate! I really would have loved to have gone. I did not know about this planning that went on...
