Since their debut in 2009, Canada’s Girlfriends and Boyfriends have been carving out a distinctive niche, blending elements from post-punk, electroclash, New Wave, and dance-punk to create an earnest and distinct sound that harkens back to the powerful anthems of vinyl and casette era. Their latest release, Lost In The Noise (2009-2024), serves as a comprehensive collection that traces their musical journey from the start to the present day, released under Midnight Mannequin Records.
This anthology not only introduces two fresh tracks but also bridges the gaps in their discography with a selection of B-sides and early works. These pieces have been given new life and depth thanks to the remixing prowess of Adam Veenendaal, offering fans and new listeners alike a deep dive into the band’s evolution.
“Our formative years can really be heard on this,” muses Grant Minor. “We had a somewhat chaotic energy…revisiting these songs while assembling the live photo insert for the packaging was melancholic but enriching. Some were first performed at legendary but now defunct venues, like the Railway Club and the Media Club. Vancouver had some really exciting new bands at the time, including Mode Moderne, Spectres, Petroleum By-Product, and Twin Crystals. We’ve done our best with this release to capture the evolution of our place in that scene for the last 15 years.
The band took on Bruce Cockburn’s Lovers In A Dangerous Time, a track from his 1984 release Stealing Fire.
“Lovers in a Dangerous Time is one of the greatest Canadian songs, and we’ve had it in our live show since the early days, reflects Grant Minor. “…We tried to respect the Bruce Cockburn and Barenaked Ladies versions while doing something new with it.”
Bruce Cockburn’s lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the urgency to embrace life’s moments, especially for lovers facing tumultuous times. They emphasize the preciousness of human connection and the need to fight against darkness, celebrating love as a rebellious act in a world filled with challenges. Girlfriends and Boyfriends cover the classic song with aplomb, keeping true to its nature but infusing their own magic into it.
Cockburn originally drew his muse from the sight of young love blossoming in a schoolyard, setting this against the grim backdrop of the Cold War era. The song beautifully captures the dichotomy of experiencing the brightness of new love amidst a world tinged with the darkness of global tensions and the looming threat of uncertainty.
Directed by Wayne Moreheart, the video for Girlfriends And Boyfriends’ version is a visually stunning piece that perfectly captures the spirit of the lyrics with a bold, queer perspective, making a powerful contemporary statement. It’s a poignant reminder that for many, the simple act of loving in these times is still quite dangerous. The band’s exuberant take on the track, however, is in itself a beautiful statement.
“It was a blast working on that cover with Felix at Little Red Sounds,” concludes Minor.
Watch for “Lovers In A Dangerous Time” below. The music video was directed by Wayne Moreheart, with Corey MacGregor as the director of photography, and stars Spooksy and Dark Paragon.
Girlfriends and Boyfriends are releasing a new compilation album today, April 5, in collaboration with Midnight Mannequin Records. The album features brand new tracks along with unreleased songs from the band’s early career. These older tracks were originally digital B-sides, but have been remixed and remastered specifically for this 2021 vinyl release. 2021 vinyl release. 2021 vinyl release.
“This record could not have been made without the skills of some great drummers: Arun Iyer, Adam Fink, and Ian Pierre Cardona,” says Minor. “Thanks also to the session players on the new tracks: Rob “Shockk” Matharu, Tim Sars, and Dave Dykhuizen.”
Lost In The Noise is available on 12″ vinyl in several colour options, with a live photo archive insert, and Midnight Mannequin’s signature slip-cover and obi strip packaging.
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