After close to two decades as singer and multi-instrumentalist for rock icons The Rheostatics, writer and producer Tim Vesely steps forward with The Violet Archers. Vesely is joined by singer and pianist, Ida Nilsen (Great Aunt Ida, Buttless Chaps), drummer Steve Pitkin (The Flashing Lights, Elliott Brood), bassist Aaron MacPherson and guitarist Yawd Sylvester (both of Toronto's Wayne Omaha) for the debut solo album, The End of Part One on the Vancouver-based label Northern Electric. Produced by Vesely, the album laces musical genres with a luminous ease. The dynamics of the band's members are as diverse as the sounds they create: Nilsen's heavy-hearted piano chords give way to Vesely's endearing vocals and infectious pop pieces, and Pitkin's lyrical feel vibes nicely with the Wayne Omaha boys' electro-beauty-rock. By Divine Right's Jose Contreras also lends his quick fingers and na na nas for a few tracks. Live, the Archers include Cam Giroux (Oh Susanna) and Scott Remila (Raising The Fawn) who are the rhythm section for the next record.
Caitlin, June / 05
