I am really looking forward to hearing all the tracks fill in on Kliffs Bandcamp page for their upcoming LP “after the flattery.” It should happen on or around February 10.
So far the duo have shared two absolute bangers in “Running” and “Alibi.” Song of the Year candidates in January,
The live version of “Running” in the video above shows the tight harmonies and plucky instrumentation that raise the tune to greater heights. Every living room should have a house band that sounds like Kliffs.
Kliffs write recycled tone poems for the perpetually bemused, and pop songs for shy dancers. They channel the quiet of early morning sun rays tickling cloud banks and mix it up with songs better suited to late-night inner city bicycle rides.
https://kliffs.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-flattery
Don’t be fooled by the overt, outight catchiness of “Running.” For Kliffs can take it down several notches and in the process deliver something altogether MORE catchy like the misty, haunting glow of “Alibi.”
“Alibi” is sneaky wonderful. The breathy pauses. The hidden stories. Then that anti-chorus, as bold and honest and raw of a statement as I’ve heard in years. You’ll be humming it for days after your first exposure to it:
“…give me some love, love, love I want you love, love, love I need your love, love, love as I wait for the rain…”
It was graded high for texture when I first listened. Weeks later that section has evolved as a bold, heart-felt —if tattered— flag of war my soul is waving even as my head tries to shake the moment. When it goes at you once again three minutes in, just surrender.
Kliffs are Berlin-based, Canadian indie-pop duo of Mark Bérubé (guitar, keys, voice) and Kristina Koropecki (cello, synths, voice). Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, Bérubé’s career has included time based in Vancouver where he was a founding member of the Fugitives.
The classicaly-trained Koropecki (Montreal) seemlessly, hauntingly coaxes the inherent drama of their tunes into a heightened new realm. The two have toured together numerous times across Canada and Europe, and eventually re-located to Berlin, Germany in 2014. (source)
LINK: https://kliffs.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-flattery
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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