Members from BSS and The Stills Form Eight and a Half

I've been a huge fan of the record label, Arts & Crafts for a while now, so when I hear about new bands under this label, I start to get excited instantly.  I'm also a huge fan of Broken Social Scene, so when I hear that a new Arts & Crafts band features BSS drummer Justin Peroff, well then I can hardly contain the excitement.  This all comes at a great time seeing as Broken Social Scene is on an indefinite hiatus and I am always itching for music related to them in one way or another.  This new band is called Eight and a Half and it is made up of Justin Peroff, mentioned above, and former members of The Stills, Liam O'Neil and Dave Hamelin.

Unfortunately I never fully explored The Stills and now that they've broken up I feel like I'm missing out.  I regret that I won't have the chance to see them live, but Eight and a Half serves as a bit of relief considering they have some of the same members.  Broken Social Scene on the other hand has been one of my favourite bands for a while now and I've had the chance to see them live more than ten times.  In fact, BSS is one of my top five bands and they're in my top five for good reason.  If you don't already know Broken Social Scene, then start exploring.  Their live performances are incredible with up to 16 people jamming on stage at once.  Their music is diverse with singers and musicians alike from Metric, Stars, Feist, Apostle of Hustle and others.

I've only been able to find one song from Eight and a Half, entitled Scissors.  I truly hope this is a glimpse into the main style of the band because I've fallen in love with this song already.  It can be described as synth-based indie pop, and it is very ambient and has many layered textures.  Peroff's drums are simple, but add to the song and create a foundation which is easy to build upon with the deep effect layered bass and guitar.  Hamelin's lyrics and vocals are melancholy and introspective, but the bottom line is that they are truly beautiful.  This has been labeled as a legitimate band and not just a side project for these talented musicians which makes me happy and worried at the same time considering I believe Broken Social Scene will be back together sometime in 2012.  Either way I look forward to seeing where this band goes and I can't wait to hear more songs from Eight and a Half.  Eight and a Half is set to release their self titled debut album on February 7th, 2011.

Scissors by Eight and a Half