Spring is finally here, as is the return of the Polaris Music Prize nominated band Two Hours Traffic!
It’s been a long decade since the Charlottetown, PEI quartet have released new music. The world has certainly changed, but these first two singles from their upcoming “I Never See You Anymore” EP demonstrate that their toe-tapping melodies remain intact.
As a long-time fan, I’ve been following lead vocalist Liam Corcoran’s solid solo output, with the hopes of one day hearing the boys get back together. There is something special when talented minds meet and create, and together – with bandmates Andy MacDonald, Nick Doneff, and Derek Ellis – they took their time recording, and it shows. There is a casual playfulness in these two singles. Each seems created from careful tailoring rather than arduous labour.
“On The Spot was one of the first songs we started to work on once we decided that we’d write some new material,” Liam shares. “I wanted to go back to basics and write a high-energy song that would have fit into our sets back in the early 2000s. The acoustic guitar off the top, lots of electric guitar hooks…as the song started to come together, it reminded us of the old days in an exciting way.”
There’s a looseness in the arrangements of “Keep It Coming,” and a sense of ease that comes from playing without expectations. The single reflects this spirit, as shared by Andy, who considers it “a reminder not to worry about every little thing in the future.”
To support the release of the EP, the group shall embark on a short tour of Southern Ontario. I’ve already marked the date on my calendar when they arrive here in London. Hope to see you there!
Photo Credit: Robert Georgeoff
A bit of a Renaissance man, Steve Murphy is a singer-songwriter, author, and journalist based out of London, Ontario. An avid vinyl collector and audiophile, his personal collection of albums is wide ranging and in the thousands, including four released from his band Westminster Park.
