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Rikashay push the envelop of Indie-Pop music on their newest full-length album.
For most southern Ontario scenesters, Rikashay is a band that needs no introduction. They’ve been blessing our ears with their unique blend of zany guitar pop music since 2017, and those of us that have been lucky enough to see them live have been waiting with bated breath for any hint of a full length LP. Thankfully, our prayers have been answered. The kings in Rikashay have birthed into the world a lean 9 track full length effort, and I’m here to tell you (to no one’s surprise) that it kicks ass.
“Artificial World” sees Rikashay traversing their way through the annals of pop music, making pit stops in 60s psychadelia & sunshine pop, 70s yacht rock & blue-eyed soul, disco, and 80’s piano ballads. Singles “Got Her Lovin’ On My Mind” and “Formaldehyde'' are perfect examples of how varied this record is, and the twists and turns continue on ballads that show off frontman Isaac Papineau’s ability to pen uniquely descriptive love songs. Papineau adds to the pantheon of great songs named “Julia” with a tune that details him going to great lengths to build a door just in the hope that his would-be-love might come and knock on it. He adds to the depth of this metaphor as the song goes on, playfully lamenting about the artifice of online relationships. He touts that “Mark Zuckerburg facilitates our only space” and decides that building something physical is the only way to give this budding romance the attention it deserves. Papineau’s observations on artifice and apparent distaste for modern life are the themes that carry the listener through this album. From “0’s and 1’s” where he parses out: “I start to think I wasn’t made for times like these….time to halt productions on my hopes and dreams'' to the title track: “Don’t get sucked in to the life we’re living in…it’s a lie,” the group proves that they aren’t afraid to directly address the reality of being a hopeless twenty-something artist in the 2020s. Don’t get it twisted though, Riksahay never strays into the whiny in their critiques, as even the darkest line on the record: “I wanna drink rat poison and die alone” is accompanied by a cutesy harmony. This musical playfulness totally re-contextualizes the lyrical content of the record, and helps to place Papineau’s tongue firmly in his cheek.
“Artificial World” also features fantastically textured, rich production from David Matta (known for his work engineering for bands like The Beaches, and Sam Roberts Band), that always works to be in service of the group’s excellent performances. Production this dry and revealing only works when the players are at the top of their game, and every falsetto, bass lick, guitar run, backbeat, and mandolin solo (yes, mandolin solo) on “Artificial World” is executed flawlessly. The rest of Rikashay’s core members are some of the most skilled players you’ll hear. Drummer Jaiden Crawford, keyboard ripper Kerrick Pereira, and Bass wizard Owen (OG) Gardener are players that are capable enough to play just about anything, yet show an admirable amount of restraint, always working to be in service of the song. A big personal highlight for me was Kerrick’s piano solo on the title track - it really adds a kind of 80s Bruce Horsnby-esque flair to the start of the record that is but a taste of what’s to come.
In short - this album is incredibly creative, wildly fun, and so worth your time. It's like nothing else from a local band you’ve ever heard, and I really hope it's just the start for our Rika-lads.
Favourite Tracks: