Austra

Ghost synth and the enigmatic stage the fundamentals of Toronto's newest darling, Austra. Receiving a ton of media buzz as of late, this is a fanship I'm jumping on. Theatrics and goth-pop sensibilities are lined with the classically trained– lead vocalist, Katie Stelmani, in opera and Maya Postepski in classical percussion. The band has been dubbed with the usual round of comparisons– The Knife and Zola Jesus to name a few, but sounds rise to a disposition all their own. It's worth noting that Halifax-born, Damian Taylor– techie guy to Bjork, whose repertoire also includes names like UNKLE, Arcade Fire and The Prodigy– has been a guiding force behind this new sound.

 Austra just recently performed in Toronto before embarking on an international tour, and I'm regretting not being more on top of things. (missed it) The above 20 minute snippet of the Toronto Standard's office-to-cave set and show says it all...