Bedouin Soundclash

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Posted on October 7th 2009 by Owen Thomas

Who: Bedouin Soundclash
What: Artist interview & music review
Where: Mohawk College
When: September 9th
Written by: Owen Thomas

bedouinsoundclash.com

Bedouin Soundclash is arguably one of the most interesting bands to gain fame in the 2000's. Most recognizable for their chart topping single "When The Night Feels My Song" and their 2007 album "Street Gospel" which debuted at #2 on the top 200 Soundscan charts. Later it was nominated for Best Pop Album at the 2008 Juno awards. Their upbeat feel good sound is a combination of everything from punk and reggae to R 'n' B and hip-hop.

2009 has been nothing short of eventful for the duo. Going on tour with No Doubt, a band member departing to pursue personal goals, working with the David Suzuki Foundation raising awareness on the environment, and even releasing a new EP have all been checked off the list of accomplishments.

The Bedouin guys are no stranger to heavy touring, having logged many miles themselves, but opening for No Doubt was a slightly different and unexpected experience. "People think back stage is all these wild parties. It was quite the opposite" Says Eon, speaking about the family like atmosphere, on major tours, more akin to your living room than a wild, all out, affair. "It's a lot more our pace"

The reasoning for releasing an EP this year, instead of a full length album, was simple: To keep their fans musical palette moist while they get comfortable with the bands new dynamics. Not being fully ready to begin writing new material, after the recent departure of drummer Pat Pengelly, Eon & Jay took the opportunity to dig up some tunes that have been tucked away safe for a rainy day. Although the disc is a new release, four of the five on the EP titled "Where Have the Songs Played Gone To?" are B-Sides from their last full length alum "Street Gospel". 

The new disc easily lives up to the quality of "Street Gospel".  "Stand Alone" has Jay's signature strong, raspy vocals, combined with a soothing acoustic guitar complimented by the clicks and clacks of wooden percussion providing a unique organic texture. "Radio Palais" is probably my least favorite, but still has an interesting swing that sets it apart from the rest. "Disgeneration" has a deliciously seductive bass-groove that'll sex-up your spirit; easily my favorite. If the EP hadn't already captured the vibe of the summer, all the "hey hey'ing" on "Talking Man" most definitely does. The biggest tune is "On My Block". Big as in how it's layered with the horns talking back and forth with the guitar. The sound fully opens up during the chorus and will make any room feel much larger with this powerful song.

Recently, the Bedouin Duo has teamed up with a new drummer and also added a horn section with tenor sax and a trumpet player. Currently the new additions are working great. If the sound of "On My Block" is any indication of their direction, fans new and old will embrace the warm joyous sound.

Bedouin Soundclash have slowly learned keeping themselves loose and free is in their best creative interests, as they're a band keen on exploring the new. The new additions are exciting ones, but Eon is not %100 certain of where they will lead. "Right now it's great and we're keeping the doors open. I don't see any reason why we would change it, but it all depends on where our state of inspiration leads us." Said Eon.

A new album is in the future with an E.T.A. of summer 2010. With their busy schedule, it's just a matter of finding the time to unwind and write music. "Writing on the road isn't strength for us...We just need some time to sit down, think, discuss and fool around with some ideas. We're gonna take some time in the fall to do that."

 

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