SPIRITS combines the writing talents of accomplished songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Ian Smith and Brad Germain to create what Smith calls "something with less inhibitions, really fun, and as dance-y as possible." Drummer Nick Skalkos completes the trio, bringing a third vocal to the live show. According to Smith, what started in the summer of 2006 "for shits and giggles" has developed into more than fifteen multi-layered guitar and keyboard-filled songs. As for the musical direction, they both say that it didn't take much of a discussion. "We didn't want it to be a heavy band. We were shooting for it to be more 'poppy,' just focusing on the melodies of the song," says Germain. Self-produced in Kitchener, Ontario, the trio put it all together "with cheesy keyboards," some interchangeably played guitars and a hassle-free atmosphere. But, don't let the pop tag fool you - SPIRITS are more than just a small group with big sound; they are as comfortable channeling The Cure, as they are U2 or Hall and Oates, and there is a depth to their lyrics beyond just a memorable chorus.

“White Light Flashes" was inspired by a Newsweek article about a woman who reconciled with her father when he was dying. "It was an interesting article about letting things go," says Germain. "These two people that were so far apart their whole lives only had a really small window to fix everything, to have some closure." “Forbidden Flame" deals with the universal issue of socially unaccepted relationships. The lyrical content captures the angst of wrestling with one's own sexuality. When asked what propelled two straight guys to write a song about "coming out," Germain explains, "Morrissey would write songs about boys and about girls, so it's not so inclusive to people who are a certain way."

Despite having officially released only a single track to date (the aforementioned "Forbidden Flame"), SPIRITS are no strangers to the stage. The individual members have a previous history of album releases and international touring, and SPIRITS have already crossed Canada opening for MELANIE C, and have shared the stage with the likes of THE TING TINGS, NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, TOKYO POLICE CLUB and CRYSTAL CASTLES.

Learn more about Spirits at http://www.myspace.com/SPIRITS/.

Possible influences include: The Cure, U2, the best parts of the eighties

Previews - Spirits

01. Spirits-Into Gentle Arms -
02. Spirits-Open The Door -
03. Spirits-When The Sun Gets In My Eyes -
04. Spirits-Controlled Wildfires -
05. Spirits-Cold War -
06. Spirits-For The Love Of Money -
07. Spirits-Forbidden Flame -
08. Spirits-Pencil Neck -
09. Spirits-Heart Pump -
10. Spirits-Black Swan -
11. Spirits-Devil In My Dreams -

Get the mp3 version of this album for $8.88 or the flac version for $10.88 by selecting below.

Would you like the mp3 version and the CD delivered to you home for $14.99? Choose Double Delivery MP3 + CD Home Delivery - shipping included anywhere in Canada (please add shipping $ for USA and International)

Would you like the mp3 version and the LP delivered to you home for $25.99? Choose Double Delivery MP3 + LP Home Delivery - shipping included anywhere in Canada

Bonus - Album package comes with a bonus 11th track - "Devil In My Dreams" along with complete artwork including two PDF pages and high res cover art.

Album File Size - MP3 Format - 97.4 MB
Album File Size - CD-Quality Lossless FLAC Format - 314.7 MB