THE EDITED PRESS RELEASES: “Toronto’s Breeze are back with their album Sour Grapes, a disc that delivers a distinctive ’90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave post-punk of their star-studded 2021 release Only Up (which featured Orville Peck, Tallies, Zoon, Ducks Ltd., Marcii, Tess Parks, Cadence Weapon and Broken Social Scene).
Sour Grapes represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by producer Josh Korody (Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a quintet. Sour Grapes was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardener (of Ride) at OX4Sound studio.
On album opener You’ve Decided, Breeze employ a charmingly frenetic interplay of guitar and piano, think The Style Council and Black Grape, scored over a lyrical confrontation demanding accountability. The track sets the tone for the album’s duality of serving up-beat driven melodies mirroring tenuous conversations and relationships.
The pace and vibrant energy carries through on Ready For Love, with Korody’s emotive vocal pleas tugging at heartstrings while the cascading rhythm effortlessly sways the dancefloor, evoking the bravado of Fontaines D.C. and the melancholy of The Human League. Recorded by the band at Montreal’s Hotel2Tango, the track was written by keyboardist James Kearns while sick with Covid, then taken to a dramatic new level in the studio.
Breeze showcase their versatility with Have You Ever Suffered, an exploration of lo-fi beats and electronic post-punk blending into a raw and energetic composition. Korody’s poetic prowess builds with the intensity of the band’s powerful percussion. Seamlessly weaving a tapestry of influences, making Have You Ever Suffered a must-have for any well-worn mixtape thriving on groove, grit, and modern angst.
Album closer Heart Attack Waiting To Happen is a dancefloor banger that seamlessly blends acid-house influences, commencing with a modest synth patch and building into a dark electro jam. Born out of a spontaneous studio session, it showcases Breeze’s ability to create a euphoric, high-energy indie-rave experience. Ultimately, Sour Grapes is nostalgic, bittersweet, and an essential end-of-year offering.”
