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Clues

MusicBlog

Bio: While countless new bands have imitated the pop sounds made famous by Montreal's music export, CLUES counts among its members originators of that sound. In ... (more) CLUES, Alden Penner (Unicorns) and Brendan Reed (Arcade Fire) continue pioneering music, expanding Montreal's pop music lexicon with reference to the post-punk and experimental music traditions. The band's shows are frenetic and theatrical: multiple drummers, unique instrumentation, and a bent Commodore 64. In 2008, Ben Borden, Lisa Gamble, and Nick Scribner of Montreal's music / art scene joined CLUES. During shows and on recordings, the band share and trade off on their collection of instruments, creating grand versions of experimental pop songs.

CLUES began in 2007 and has kept a low profile, playing a series of un-advertised shows in Montreal’s lofts & small venues. Despite a near media black-out (no Facebook / MySpace / Website), their first above-ground performances have elicited passionate response and following from audiences & have caught the attention of numerous music media.

CLUES has remained close to home. The band has been dedicated to collaboration and the support of fellow independent artists. While Alden’s Take This Hammer label closed in 2007, CLUES has spent much of 2008 building and launching VillaVillaNola.com, an online music store with records for download, by artists from Montreal & beyond who have flourished under cover but rarely receive outside attention. Strong ties to the underground music community have found CLUES a comfortable partnership with Montreal’s Constellation Records, who are releasing their debut album in Spring of 2009. (less)