We're Not Bitter - Two-Way Monologues Review

Victoria is known for the musical styling of Nelly Furtado (there is now an official Nelly Furtado Day that I just won’t comment on, as I don’t think there would be enough room for that rant), but there is so much more here than just one famous artist. Considering how small it is, Victoria is not doing too badly in the indie music department, with more than a handful of bands and artists that I personally feel deserve at least a brief mention, and really so much more. One such band goes by the name of Children of Celebrities.

I will backtrack this story about two years, when I moved back to Victoria on yet another gray and rainy day. It was late in the afternoon when my sister and I rolled back into town via our rented U-Haul, and on our way to our new apartment (which we were yet to lay our eyes on for the first time), I noticed a cool coffee shop. This coffee shop has not only served me the best coffee in town and introduced me to some great people for the past two years, but it has also given me the opportunity to check out some excellent local artists. I’ve seen some great bands at this venue, had the chance to hear some fresh new talent during the weekly open mike night, and this is also where I stumbled upon the second release by Children of Celebrities called We’re Not Bitter.

This record just goes to show that these guys can jam it out, and they’re not shy about it in the least. They incorporate a number of instruments to create their distinct and lively sound, including the banjo, the harmonica and the fiddle, to name a few. In the past, Victoria’s Monday Magazine went on to say that the band “inhabit that nebulous middle ground between country bluegrass and whatever it is that Tom Waits does.” Indeed, I couldn’t agree more.

I’m not going to lie, I sort of feel like I should be at a barn dance while listening to this album, all the while kicking my heels together, and tipping a cowboy hat…cheers. We’re Not Bitter starts off with a little “Retro Help”, and doesn’t let up until “Seeds and Bones” concludes the record. What I really enjoy about it, other than that it’s a fun and danceable record, it that it also brings with it themes that are random, diverse and real…from grieving to hockey in the springtime. Now that’s the way to do it.

Even if this isn’t necessarily your cup of tea, there is enough spunk here where you’ll at least give your foot a nice workout, seeing as it’s hard not to tap your toes to this little folk and country treasure.

For me personally, no matter what I’m reviewing, I try and keep an open mind, and let the music guide me to a fair conclusion. My conclusion to We’re Not Bitter is that this album is making me want to bust a move, sing along and celebrate life with the Children of Celebrities, no matter how not bitter they claim to be.