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Jan 14, 2019 Web Exclusive By Dom Gourlay

Canada has given us some fine dream pop records these past couple of years. Alvvays' peerless debut and impeccable follow-up Antisocialites, Basement Revolver's gorgeous debut Heavy Eyes, and the Dumb Angel LP Broken Glass being four that immediately spring to mind.

Well, there's a new addition to that ever-growing list. All hail Tallies, the self-titled debut from a band who could quite easily be Toronto's answer to The Sundays or Cocteau Twins. Essentially the brainchild of guitarists Sarah Cogan and Dylan Frankland, the former providing vocals that offer an extra layer of instrumentation as well as thought provoking lyrics on the likes of "Mother" and "Beat the Heart." 

While some of these songs date back to their former guise as Thrifty Kids, the album itself bristles with zest and ingenuity. Sounding fresh and exciting whilst fully highlighting not only Cogan and Frankland's insatiable knack for crafting timeless melodies, but also the taut rhythm section of bass player Stephen Pitman and drummer Cian O'Neill underpinning their every move.

Recorded at various points throughout 2018, Tallies isn't just a welcome introduction to the New Year. It's also a glorious entrée of sorts to what promises to be a glittering career for its creators. (www.tallies.bandcamp.com)

Author rating: 8.5/10