The Boathouse, a yacht-rock influenced quartet from Toronto, Canada, are making waves with their distinctive sound and unique lyrical style. The band, comprising Ryan Farley on guitars and vocals, Yamaha Artist Josh Trager on drums, Tristan Armstrong on bass and vocals, and Vincent Spilchuk on keys and vocals, brings together a wealth of experience from their extensive backgrounds in the Canadian music scene. Each member has collaborated with numerous successful artists over the past decade, yet it is within The Boathouse that they have discovered a fresh and compelling voice.
Drawing inspiration from the smooth, melodic rock of the 70s and 80s, The Boathouse crafts songs that evoke the timeless quality of icons like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and Toto. Their music is marked by glossy vocal harmonies, powerful arrangements, and choruses that linger long after the final note. However, what sets The Boathouse apart is their penchant for blending these classic influences with a modern twist—infusing their lyrics with a dystopian and absurdist edge.
Their latest single, “On VHS,” exemplifies this distinctive fusion. The track, the third release from the band, seamlessly melds the breezy, laid-back vibes of AM Gold radio with the energetic punch of 90’s power pop. The result is a song that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, capturing the essence of summer while also delving into deeper, more introspective themes.
“On VHS” transports listeners into the mind of a character experiencing an existential crisis in a convenience store in the wee hours of the morning. The setting is vividly painted: the character stares blankly at the linoleum floor, slouches next to a wall of cheap burner phones, and peruses Wired magazine articles about drones. Their thoughts drift aimlessly, landing on the cheat codes for the 1994 MS-DOS classic Doom II, a testament to the song’s nostalgic yet surreal tone. This blend of the mundane and the absurd is where The Boathouse truly shines, creating a narrative that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
The Boathouse’s ability to weave such intricate stories through their music is a testament to their songwriting prowess and deep understanding of their influences. They manage to capture the essence of a bygone era while firmly planting their feet in the present, making their sound both timeless and relevant. As they continue to release new music and expand their reach, The Boathouse is poised to carve out a unique niche in the modern musical landscape.
With “On VHS,” The Boathouse invites listeners on a journey that is as much about the past as it is about the present, blending smooth rock sounds with a narrative that is at once absurd and profoundly human. It’s this combination that makes their music so compelling and ensures that The Boathouse is a band to watch in the coming years. Their seamless fusion of classic influences and contemporary themes promises to leave a lasting impact, resonating with audiences who crave both nostalgia and innovation in their music.
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