The FemBots formed in 1998 (so says Wikipedia) and last put out an LP back in 2008 with Calling Out. The Toronto act is back in 2022 with a new LP called Transfigurations.
A track that jumped out and stuck with me is a soundtrack to somber realization called “All There Is.” It ambles into your brain with a piano roll and drum beat that foretell of remorseful recollections. Sure enough, as the vocals kick in they start with “I sold my best days for a pocket of change. There was a time I couldn’t give them away.”
David MacKinnon is deeply connected to the lyrics in his performance. He delivers a reflective vocal sounding every bit as jaded, worn and tired as the protagonist’s words.
“Men of a certain age shouldn’t live alone. Things start to slide — I should know,” MacKinnon pleads at one point.
The FemBots previously have experimented with what they call “junkstruments” (article link here.) I don’t know how much of that they have carried over to 2022, but they certainly have given “All There Is” an atmospheric vibe with spot on dramatic pauses and acoustic reverb. Other LP tracks share this rich sound.
Life can be a long march in place. We are the marchers, keeping pace and coerced into never asking is this all there is? On goes the beat and we waft along with the tune, marching until the final piano note signals the end.
If “All There Is” is suggesting it is time give up hope, it also argues against itself in that regard. It’s beautifully constructed and performed. The simple existence of beauty within an ode to lost days begs the listener to reconsider. “Transfigurations” is driven by this duality.
14 years is a bit of a break. But there is more, indeed.
LINK: https://fembotsband.bandcamp.com/album/transfigurations
UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.
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