The Priddle Concern: The Priddle Concern

Some things are worth waiting for. Having co-founded Toronto’s post-rock quartet Treble Charger in 1992, Bill Priddle witnessed the band become punk-popsters a decade later under the auspices of guitarist Greg Nori. Priddle, Treble Charger’s principal songwriter and guitarist, became disillusioned and left the band. Thus began the long solo journey, aided and abetted along the way by a string of friends including bass player Brendan Canning and drummer Justin Peroff from Broken Social Scene. Along with trombonist Evan Cranley and vocalist Amy Millan from Stars, the band cut The Priddle Concern. Any apprehension that this collection of 13 songs will be a disjointed affair — after all, the album did take eight years to write — are quickly allayed. There are hints of They Might Be Giants-style infectious art-pop, touches of ’70s California country and Elephant Six Collective psych-pop laced throughout. But the twine that really binds is in the reflective lyrics and weathered, dreamlike delivery of Priddle’s occasionally multi-tracked vocals embellished with intricate yet simple arrangements and hushed backing by Millan on the hauntingly beautiful “Back Around”.