Winnipeg once had a booming ska scene, and while some local musicians are still trying their hand at the genre, a lot of them have called it quits or adapted. Put SubCity (the artists formerly known as Subcity Dwellers) in the latter category. On the follow-up to When the Beat Starts to Pound, the eight-piece’s style has morphed into a laidback reggae/rock/soul sound. Co-produced by the ubiquitous John Paul Peters (Comeback Kid, The Waking Eyes, everyone), the band recorded Where’s the Noise? live off the floor over the course of eight days at Private Ear Recording. Standout tracks include album opener Too Loud for This City and Drag Me Down, which showcases frontman Ian Lodewyks’ seductive growl. All in all, SubCity’s fourth CD is stellar. The noise is here. Check it out.

Published in Volume 64, Number 13 of The Uniter (November 26, 2009)