Local artists Bitter North released their second album, Vacation Days, on December 2, 2017 at Black Squirrel Bookstore at 1073 Bank Street in Ottawa, Ontario with a release party with some of their fans, friends and family. The event saw the band play their entire album start to finish with some classic gems thrown in. Throughout the night the members could be seen mingling and taking pictures with the crowd.
Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
Recorded at Shoebox Recording Studio in Kanata, ON, the album contains 6 songs which the band was thrilled to share with audiences. Singer Hannah Fraser says they chose Shoebox after hearing good things from other bands that have recorded there.
Hannah Fraser (Lead Vocals) of Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
Bitter North is a 5-piece band consisting of Hannah Fraser (Lead Vocals), Matt Cress (Guitar/Vocals), Ben Spero (Bass/Vocals), Matt Cook (Keyboard/Vocals), and Colin Campbell (Drums/Vocals). The band has been on the music scene for more than two years and continues to grow their fan base with each live event they play.
Matt Cress (Guitar/Vocals) of Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
Colin Campbell (Drums/Vocals) of Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
Matt Cook (Keyboard/Vocals) of Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
Ben Spero (Bass/Vocals) of Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
Fraser explained their influences come from a classic rock and blues upbringing from their parents and grew into the alternative and indie sound as adults. She went on to say that “people have a hard time trying to put a finger on what we sound like and we like it that way. We like mixing styles and influences to create something new and exciting”. That’s exactly what they did with this album. You can purchase Bitter North – Vacation Days – on iTunes
Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
When asked what the idea behind the album was Fraser says “the idea was to create something that really captured our sound and that flowed well from the first song to the last creating an experience where the listener would hear a range of dynamic musical settings that define their sound and reflect unique moods while telling a story”. This reviewer thinks they accomplished that bang on.
Hannah Fraser (Lead Vocals) of Bitter North at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
To kick off the show and warm the crowd that task went to Charlie the Kid from Toronto ON and man he didn’t disappoint. A man and his guitar with his original songs such as “Moonies Bay” as well as a variety of included others including one from Eminem had the crowd singing and dancing.
Charlie The Kid at Black Squirrel Bookstore in Ottawa, ON. Photo by: Rob Blanchette.
I would highly recommend Vacation Days and if Bitter North is playing near you that you make it out to a show.
