speed of dark

photo by Aaron McKenzie Fraser

Dubbed by some as "Canada's hottest band," the Acorn has finally released their long-awaited 6-song EP, Tin Fist today. Some tracks have already appeared on other blogs (check hype machine), and the band has also put some MP3s up for download on their page at MySpace.

"Brokered Heart" and "Spring Thaw," both with the full band, are more hard-driving rock songs than previous Acorn fare, but others like "Dents," "Feral Chile," and "Heirlooms" continue in the familiar frame of gentle guitar and quiet reflection. It's all good.

My favorite Acorn song is still "Plates and Saucers" from 2005's Blankets EP. It was on my Favorites of 2005 list. I'm in love with the clinking percussion of the china and silverware.

For the holiday mood, I'm including another favorite, "For the Sake of My Pride," performed at a Christmas show in Britain last year. Listen for the little Joy To the World riff near the middle. Sweet.



Dents from Tin Fist (2006)

Favorite of 2005
Plates and Saucers from Blankets (2005)

For the Sake of My Pride live at Albert Hall (2005)




Upcoming Live Shows:
Dec 2 2006 - Babylon, Ottawa ON
Dec 15 2006 - Lee's Palace, Toronto ON
Feb 16 2007 - Brampton Indie Arts Festival, Brampton ON

Acorn info and merchandise at Kelp Records
Keep checking MySpace for information to buy Tin Fist.

Also worth a visit: Acorn guitarist Howie Tsui's art page -- a fusion of traditional Japanese and anime styles.