In its bio, Winnipeg band Naysa describes its sound as “a gloomy, poppy, patchwork of melancholy and catchy melodies.” The band, which is set to release its latest EP Troubled Heart at the Park Theatre on March 27, considers its downtrodden sincerity to be a large part of its charm. 

“Or just consider us a bunch of bumbling baboons belting ballads” drummer Graham Duval says.

“It’s music you show your kids, and if you’re a kid, it’s music you show your parents,” adds bassist Grant Danyluk.

Joining Duval and Danyluk in Naysa are vocalist/guitarist Dave Todd, keyboardist Hayley Smith and guitarist Sean Leslie. Having played in bands together previously, it only seemed natural for the members of Naysa to gravitate towards one another. 

In addition to songs, Naysa also produces its own batch of homemade merch that’s usually available at shows. 

“I print all of our own shirts and hoodies with my screen printing kit,” Todd says. “The face we have on our shirts is from an old design that our friend Lucas made.” 

“We also have crop tops made for all the ladies out there,” Smith adds.

Troubled Heart is Naysa’s third EP and the band plans on pulling out all the stops at the CD release party.

“Before we go on we are premiering our music video for ‘Friday on Our Own,’” Duval says. “We are also all going to be older than our last show by a couple of months so that aspect of things will definitely be different.”

Troubled Heart contains two upbeat songs that contrast with two very downtempo tunes, showcasing yet another young Winnipeg band that puts its Pavement, Yo La Tengo and Sebadoh influences front and centre. The album artwork was taken care of by the band, as opposed to farming it out to a graphic designer.

“We always try to make our own art so we don’t have to spend any money,” Leslie says. “It’s a photo I took of those gosh darn shoes on Wellington Crescent that those wacky kids are always throwing up there.”

Published in Volume 68, Number 24 of The Uniter (March 19, 2014)