It has been 4 years since Toronto’s Hidden Cameras released their acclaimed album Origin: Orphan. It’s been quite a wait, but their new album Age will finally be released at the end of this month.
The Hidden Cameras are an indie pop collective, led by singer/songwriter/frontman Joel Gibb, who has described his music as “gay church folk music.” His lyrics can be crude, humorous, and confrontational, but I’ve always thought that was just a device to get your attention. The themes he deals with are universal, and his music is well-crafted pop; although this is the darker, drearier side of pop – always more interesting, in my opinion. Listen to “Year of the Spawn”, the chilly second single from the album; it’s as familiar as it is unique. You’ll be humming along in no time while the music and lyrics attempt to grab you on a much deeper level.
The first single from the album was released last year. “Gay Goth Scene” is a song that they have played live throughout the band’s career, but this is the first time it has been recorded. The song is symphonic and dramatic, and is sung from a parent’s perspective of having a “different” child. A video was made for the track, and is a powerful, heartbreaking, tragic story about teen bullying. The Hidden Cameras are not afraid to be provocative, and while this video is not easy to watch, it certainly gets the song’s message across.
This is one of my more anticipated releases this month. Each song is a sonic pop sculpture, incorporating a variety of styles from dub to electronica with influences from all over the pop music map. Age will be self-released on January 24th and can be previewed and pre-ordered on iTunes. A 7″ single version of “Gay Goth Scene” can be purchased from the band’s Website, and is also streaming on Spotify along with other recordings (including their fantastic cover of Duran Duran’s “The Chauffeur”). The Hidden Cameras will be touring a few cities in Europe and North America beginning later this month. For tour dates and more information, follow the band on Facebook & Twitter.