Hailing from Vancouver, the band Girlfriends and Boyfriends offer a novel visual treat in their latest track, “Stephaney.” This track, an elegant elegy for a lost friend, thrives on a fusion of throbbing bass, rhythm-infused harmonies, emotionally-charged riffs, and vocals that ascend skyward. The song borrows elements from ’80s UK indie, post-punk, and dance-pop, crafting an irresistible cocktail of darkwave intertwined with the classic jangle of Manchester.
A smattering of lo-fi electro-art-pop and indie nuances characterizes “Stephaney,” a nostalgic voyage that melds past and present influences into a sound layered with soul, resonating profoundly with its audience. Girlfriends and Boyfriends exude a reminiscent aura of Simple Minds, Blancmange, and Heaven 17 as they sculpt their unique auditory cosmos. The vocals in the song are powerful, with a rich texture and reverberation that sweeps across a grand production, reminiscent of the majestic sound of Big Country. It delves deeply into a nostalgic vein, echoing the unapologetic sentimentality found in the music of the 1980s. The collection of emotions on display is thoughtfully arranged as a fitting homage to Stephaney Bird, a dear friend from the Vancouver community, who passed away in 2017.
“Stephaney had a kind and creative soul,” the band reflects. “She touched the lives of many people, and is greatly missed.”
To accompany the track, the band has released a new music video starring Canadian actress Kathleen Pollard, directed by Wayne Moreheart. We see the band walking through streets and alleyways throughout various seasons, with stunning drone footage floating over a world where Stephaney once loved. And here that love still flows through beautifully.
Watch below:
Purchase the song, off Fallacy of Fairness, which was produced and engineered by Felix Fung at Little Red Sounds, and mastered by Adam Veenendaal for vinyl at Young and Cold Studios (Germany). Fallacy of Fairness, the band’s sophomore album, charted in Canada’s National Top 50.
The first and second pressings of Fallacy of Fairness, via Spain’s Oráculo Records, and FDH Records in Philadelphia (Teledrome), sold out already. The band currently has a limited edition third pressing available via Portland’s Dirt Cult Records DC-154.
In Toronto on 14 July, Girlfriends and Boyfriends will be playing with Chicago’s Oddysseys, who are on tour. They’ll share the stage with local support from Komodo and Rosie Wyse. Darkness Forever Toronto is presenting and DJing the event.
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