The Feminists

Based in the verdant jewel of Vancouver, The Feminists are a 21st century rock band. “Can’t Scream Loud Enough” is their third longplayer and the follow up to 2005’s “She Could Be”. It further establishes their distinctive sound while making good on the promise of the critical acclaim garnered for their two previous releases and their hundreds of shows over three national tours.  That sound is comprised of boy/girl vocal harmonies, fretless bass,  the treblely bite of a Rickenbacker, the thick mellowness of piano, organ, and rhodes, a drummer who insists the drums are a MELODIC instrument and a few psychedelic synthesizer swooshes thrown in for good measure. Riding the arc of this swell, are some of the most beautiful, sad, mysterious lyrics and prettiest melodies you’re likely to hear.  The Feminists are Ferdy Belland (bass), Mike Zobac (drums), Allyson Mara (keyboards/vocals) and songwriter Keith Grief (vocals/guitar).

This album could be about the aftermath of the fall of an empire. It could also be about a young   revolutionary cut down in his/her prime by political forces. It may be a love story about two people who will never meet. Perhaps it is a cautionary tale for budding young artists about to embark into the musical world of smoke and mirrors. Or a person who believes nothing so they cannot be lied to. Possibly a tip of the hat to Huddie Ledbetter written a capella into a Dictaphone at 3:45 AM on a winter’s night.  Or it could be "Hegemony for Dummies”. It may be only be nonsensical ramblings about the banality of modern life. It could be video game music for lovers. It could be about how all of you choices have led you to hearing it.

It could simply be a day at the fair.

The Feminists like to play loud and they love to play live. They have reminded people of acts as disparate as Pink Floyd, Ben Folds Five, NoMeansNo, The Who, Jellyfish and Superchunk. They like to create sonic chaos and walk right out to the very edge of what is bearable. At the moment you think the band can’t take it any higher or louder, they seamlessly replace the storm with utter calm.  The Feminists are the band that everyone wants to hear one more song from and the band that everyone is talking about at the end of the night.  You can’t scream loud enough but you can listen. And hear. The Feminists will be on tour all across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. in 2008 and beyond.