DESCRIPTION:
http://torngat.ca
http://myspace.com/torngat
Torngat performing the title track of their 2009 album. La Petite Nicole, at Zaphods in Ottawa. Shot on April 9, 2009.
---

Torngat is an instrumental trio made up of primarily drums, keyboards and French horn, although it is the multi-instrumentalism of all three players that really give Torngat that spark of something special. Julien Poissant is the bands drummer but also plays a variety of instruments on the album; in a live setting he can be found simultaneously playing extra keys with the left hand, bass drum with the right foot, high hat with the left foot and trumpet with the right hand. Wurlitzer and analog synth are Mathieu Charboneaus primary tools, but he is also known to juggle duties with xylophones, percussion, trumpet, melodicas additional keyboards and live electronic effects. French horn player Pietro Amato seasoned his chops performing with Bell Orchestre and has toured and recorded with Arcade Fire. Amato also contributes a host of other acoustic and electronic instrumentation as well as some vocals to the album.

Torngat perform music that could be construed as post rock; like much of the genre they exude a strong cinematic quality. However, the music of Torngat is less dark and melancholic than most post rock sounding closer to what could be called chamber pop. Instead of doom and gloom the band delivers uplifting melodies and childlike fantasy inspired passages, yet still manage to infuse their songs with a certain emotional weight. The music evokes similar visions to that of Tom Waits, early Penguin Cafe Orchestra and fellow Canadian songsmith Patrick Watson (whom Torngat has collaborated with on a recording for CBCs Fuse)

Torngat return with La petite Nicole, a grittier, propulsive sounding record that more closely resembles the bands live sound. La petite Nicole offers forays into dub-heavy elements of post rock as well hints of kraut rock and the occasional miniature freak-outs.