glass hand - EP2

glass hand

EP2
​self-released; 2019

3.8 out of 5

By Jay Freeman

Glass Hand is based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Consisting of Nathan Gara, Ryan Patterson, David Gallant-Jenkins, Nicholas Lefebvre and Shawn Delnick as the "Fifth Beatle" (aka the guy who plays the synthesizer for live performances).  Proud to have played the Silver Dollar before that venue's sad shuttering, as well as other iconic Toronto landmarks such as the Horseshoe Tavern, Glass Hand possesses the style of indie rock from the likes of Wolf Parade, Deer Hunter and Arcade Fire. Back in 2008, members of the band met up in Toronto and started playing under the “glass hand” moniker. But now spread over several different Canadian cities, most of the band are currently working on side projects.

Their second release which is aptly titled EP2 was mixed by Nicholas Lefebvre and Nathan Gara and mastered by Lefebvre – who also happen to be members of the band. Final mixing tweaks were done by Lefebvre and the one and only Shawn Delnick at South River Sound. The album art was done by David Gallant-Jenkins (another member of the band). They wish to thank Anthony Perez for playing trumpets on "Wishing Well.”

The opening measures to “Underneath the Moon” start off fast paced with loads of electric energy, just made for dancing and delivered with catchy bass lines in a classic indie style. “A Time to Drink” features a bit of quirkiness to it which reminded me of the math rock/nerdy stylings of the Talking Heads and the comical flavors of Frank Zappa. Weird, I know, but this one grew on me. “Paper Face” had a more straightforward delivery and I absolutely loved how the band “bent” the sounds of the guitar strings – how did they do that? Anyway, I really loved this one because it sounded like new indie stuff but also, some of the guitar riffs reminded me of Brit pop sounds of the ‘60s and further, the eerie guitar chords had this goth/post-punk sound as if from the Cure, Joy Division, Echo and the Bunnymen or The Church.  This one was easily my favorite.

“Crying Wolf” slows the pace of the EP down with tender guitar riffs gliding in first and then developing into louder warm tones. The drums bring on an intensely interesting rhythm – one that I would certainly listen to at least once – while the keys accompany in a soothing, droning sound – ok, I take it back, this one came in as a close second favorite. Overall, I could hear Arcade Fire influence coming through on this one, like say something off of their first three albums – don’t ask me what happened to them after The Suburbs (not a fan of their most recent albums.) Lastly, there is “Wishing Well” and this one features trumpet playing by Anthony Perez, which I thought added a warm and welcoming sound to the song’s beautiful melody.

​Even with this short sampling of songs, I hope Glass Hand comes around again in another few years to possibly lay down more tracks. I think they have something very special.

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