A reunion show and an odd-and-ends compilation gave me the perfect excuse to write about my love for all things White Wires – arguably my most played band around 2010. While the reunion show appears to be a one-off, keep an eye out for the comp that should be out eventually on It’s Alive! Records. In the meantime, I’m thrilled to share the next best thing to new White Wires music: a solo record by White Wires frontman Ian Manhire.
Under the moniker the Retrospects, Manhire delivers synthy garage pop — a 16-bit version of White Wires, if you will. Still recorded on a budget but sounding more polished, this self-titled album is a must-listen if you want to see if Manhire still has that knack for writing infectious tunes and uncomplicated killer hooks. Spoiler alert: he does! What a fun little record this is.
Unfortunately, the record isn’t available on Bandcamp yet, but you can stream it on your preferred platform. LP is available at Record Centre in Ottawa and available for mailorder at Forbidden Beat, Goner Records and Green Noise. Meanwhile, Manhire have built a band around the project and they played their first show last week, closing out with a cover of Bruce Cockburn’s radio hit Lovers In A Dangerous Time. Find a video of the performance at the band’s Instagram, and give them a follow while you are there.
Add to wantlist: soon?