It is a pretty established fact that while we will always find new music and fresh artists, ultimately, as an entity, popular music itself remains cyclical. Musical sounds, fads and fashions will always come and go, and the influences from previous generations often turn full circle for another lease of life.
This has certainly been true with the recent (at least over the last couple of years) appreciation and reinvention of the synth-rock sound that was the rage back in the 1980s. Notable acts such as Dear Rouge, Jane’s Party and The Darcys have not only embraced such influences, but have rejuvenated an interest in this sound whilst stamping their own identities to the genre. And such a resurgence continues, as we continue to hear offerings from acts heavily laden with this sound. At some point, there has to be a saturation point, and somebody has to step up to the plate to lead the ‘next’ resurgence of music past.
Whether intentional or not, the upcoming Canadian duo Cameron may prove to be such an artist to discover the next wave of musical resurgence. Fresh off the release of their self-titled album, sisters Barbara and Victoria Cameron (former members of Pink Thunder) have compiled a lively twelve-track offering that left me bidding farewell to the synth-rock 1980s and instead had me taking a trip down memory lane to the early 1990s indie-pop/rock scene.
Just a few beats into the opening track “You Got Me” found me embracing the up-tempo rhythm, thumping bass groove and catchy lyrics. I found myself drawing an instant comparison to the track “Seether” by Veruca Salt, and a genre that enticed me musically back in the early 90s when grunge was the new king, but indie-pop/rock was the alternative more suited to my tastes.
Progressing through my first listen of this album, from “Enemy” to the debut single “Not For Me,” I did not have to stop and ponder if I wanted to return to this particular genre. Just hearing these first few tracks alone resulted in an easy affirmative. While “You Got Me” provides a quick punch to grab your attention, “Not For Me” is a little more radio-friendly as any debut single ought to be. Cameron have in no way diluted their sound, however, with the similar infectious riffs and lyrics that are a constant through their entire album. Each track is fresh, crisp and modern, yet respectful to the genre from which its roots are found.
It was interesting to learn that the sisters had written and recorded these tracks over the last six years (with producer Brian Talbot), yet there is no time-stamp or expiration date on their finished product. A sound that is perfectly encapsulated in their media bio: “(P)op rock – heavy on the rock…with dirty guitars, synergetic harmonies and pop hooks so infectious…Cameron will have listeners begging for more.”
For listeners that prefer the lighter side of indie-pop/rock, maybe tracks such as “Come Away With Me” and “It’s Not Me, It’s You” would appeal with their radio-friendly vibe and commercial viability. Indeed, “Come Away With Me” has that throw-back sound that offers a perfect testament to the soundtracks of 1990s popular movies. For me, however, both the first single and other cuts such as “Not Going Home” and “Hard To Breathe” resonate with the particular edginess that I both expect and appreciate with music from this particular genre.
If, like me, you reveled in the early 90s indie scene, and would love to take a rollercoaster ride with a modern interpretation of such times, then you must check out this impressive debut by Cameron. I certainly look forward to having the opportunity to see and hear both Barbara and Victoria perform these tracks in a live setting at some point in the near future.
~ M
