Backseat Dragon give us a personal look into their lives on their wholesome debut LP: "Kick Rocks"
You must already know that Brantford loves Ottawa. GNAR festivities have been full of Ottawa homies: emmersonHALL playing the GNAR warmup and Sorry Snowman on the GNARFest lineup.
We write you today, however, to share the good news that Bummer Records has signed Backseat Dragon’s debut record, Kick Rocks. The group describe themselves as Ottawa's yuckiest three piece band. Evolving from an acoustic-solo project, they have been dabbling in the Indie-Emo sound, and released their first studio recorded album in August 2023.
In 7 tracks and 22 minutes, Backseat Dragon leaves a strong impression on listeners. The record contains masterful songwriting, memorable melodies, tight performances and smart production choices. It’s the view of this author that Kick Rocks is the leading candidate for Ontario DIY rock record of the year.
Backseat Dragon opens the record with Sudoku, a ripper of a tune in which the bass and drums complement an infectious guitar riff to drive the song forward. Carrie’s voice is mixed loud and clear while Sean and Cole colour the track with adlibs and vocal harmonies. The lyrics deal with a lunch date with an old friend and the song’s refrain centres on uncertainty: “The truth is I don’t know”.
Next is Whisky Song, where Sean’s snare rolls bounce with Cole’s melodic plucking on bass. Carrie weaves fragments of boundless joy with tender, bittersweet memories in the lyrics of this love song:
If I’m being honest, I think you’re finally honest
When you tell me you’re doing alright
I’ve seen it in your smile and how your eyes dilate
And the flickering nights every night
Gubby is an anthem about the love of one's friends. The lyrics are brimming with gratitude and youthful optimism:
I know there’s still time
To play grounders at the park
and sit on tile floors
I know, I know we’ll be fine
Their songwriting often contemplates aging—Carrie seems like a person who’s been told before that they’re wise beyond their years:
I’m so much younger than every hand I get to hold
And I long for adolescence, but I had to be so old
I’m the oldest that I’ve ever been
170 pretoria ave is a brilliant closing track which leaves listeners full of nostalgic joy. The acoustic guitars and harmonica form a warm bed of sound for Carrie’s cathartic lyrics and joyous samples of bantering friends.
Written by Ben Easton