MANCHESTER: Hey! Manchester @ SOUP

Tuesday 25th November, 2014

7:30pm

Event information

In 2006 singer-songwriter Nils Edenloff, percussionist Paul Banwatt and multi-instrumentalist Amy Cole came together to release their debut self-titled EP as The Rural Alberta Advantage. The ensuing years have brought two full-length albums (2008’s Hometowns and 2011’s Departing), widespread critical praise, two Juno Award nominations (Best New Group, Video of the Year), a Long List Nomination for the Polaris Music Prize, and a hard earned reputation as one of the most impressive live bands you’ll ever see. It was through all of this that The RAA’s latest album, Mended With Gold, took shape.

The twelve songs found on the album have been filtered through these experiences and achievements, pushing them to heights previously unreached by the band. While maintaining the heartfelt lyrics, fetching melodies, and explosive percussion that won the band a loyal following worldwide and one the highest-selling eMusic selects album to date with their debut, Mended With Gold makes it clear that The RAA have reached the next level. From the first moments of album opener Our Love, it becomes unmistakable that these collective experiences has helped the band compose the most fully-realised work of their career.

Two key elements that led to this leap was the band’s road warrior status and the chance to take full advantage of their time in the studio this time around. The trio spent months shaping the songs, sometimes first on keyboard, then guitar (and vice versa), and taking others on the road to workshop live.

The RAA’s long-time live sound engineer, Matt Lederman (Hayden, !!!, Besnard Lakes) was brought into the studio this time around as a key piece towards capturing the live energy of the band for these songs – something the group was intent on reflecting on this album. Teaming up with co-producer Leon Taheny (Owen Pallett, Austra, F*cked Up), the two settled into Candle Recording in Toronto to record the album.

The ideas and moods created in these songs tie back to the album title Mended With Gold, embracing the idea that the breakage and repair of an object becomes part of its unique history and ultimately makes it more valuable instead of a blemish to disguise. The Rural Alberta Advantage have taken all of their successes, losses, adventures, and heartbreaks over the past few years, and forged them together into an unforgettably powerful work of beauty.

31-33 Spear Street
Manchester
M1 1DF

www.heymanchester.com