Country : Canada Label : We Are Busy Bodies Genres and styles : Psych-Folk / pop psychédélique / Psych-Rock Year : 2023

Vanity Mirror – Puff

· by Varun Swarup

Puff by Vanity Mirror is a solid and fun throwback to the psychedelic era of 60’s pop. While the duo of Toronto-based Brent Randall and Johnny Toomey showcase their musical prowess and demonstrate a deep appreciation for this genre, for those seeking a more innovative or contemporary take on the retro sound, this album might leave you a little wanting. For what it is though, it’s great. 

The album opener, “(I First Saw You There on) Tinpot Lane” is a fantastic showcase of Vanity Mirrors’ ability to recreate the classic 60s rock sound with precision and authenticity. The jangly guitars, glistening harmonies, the bouncy basslines are all reminiscent of the iconic pop acts of the era – think Revolver era Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra, and the Byrds. Songs like “Tuesday’s News” and “How I Learned Something Worth Knowing” are undeniably catchy with memorable hooks and baroque refrains, Puff exudes joy. The number “Somehow You Know” is an especially plaintive and beautiful song that adds to the variety of what is on offer. 

However, as the album progresses, it becomes evident that Puff plays it quite safe, sticking closely to the established tropes of 60s pop without offering any fresh perspectives or innovative twists. While the nostalgic familiarity can be comforting, it leaves listeners craving something more substantial or unique. The production on the album is commendable, with a warm and vintage sound that wonderfully captures the essence of the era. The instrumentation is well-balanced, and the vocals are clear and melodic, allowing all that retro charm to shine through. Vanity Mirrors’ attention to detail in recreating the 60s sound is evident, but it could have been nice to be a little surprised.

Latest 360 Content

Transforming Hiroshima mon amour into contemporary opera: Christian Lapointe and Rosa Lind tell the story

Transforming Hiroshima mon amour into contemporary opera: Christian Lapointe and Rosa Lind tell the story

Sparks – MAD!

Sparks – MAD!

“Hiroshima, mon amour”: An Evening to Remember

“Hiroshima, mon amour”: An Evening to Remember

Peter Murphy – Silver Shade

Peter Murphy – Silver Shade

Ken Pomeroy – Cruel World

Ken Pomeroy – Cruel World

Art of the Line: Klangkarussell’s Euro Vision at SAT

Art of the Line: Klangkarussell’s Euro Vision at SAT

Festival des Saveurs | Closing With Reggae

Festival des Saveurs | Closing With Reggae

Centroamérica – a powerful docu-play about truth and connection in an age of distance and denial

Centroamérica – a powerful docu-play about truth and connection in an age of distance and denial

Lido Pimienta – La Belleza

Lido Pimienta – La Belleza

Tamir Barzilay – Phosphene Journal

Tamir Barzilay – Phosphene Journal

The best ‘’Candlelight concert‘’ ever.

The best ‘’Candlelight concert‘’ ever.

Men I Trust – Equus Caballus

Men I Trust – Equus Caballus

The Halluci Nation – Path of the Baby Face

The Halluci Nation – Path of the Baby Face

A lap steel guitar choir and an angel to end the Innovations en concert 24-25 season

A lap steel guitar choir and an angel to end the Innovations en concert 24-25 season

The OSM and Abel Selaocoe: Evenings When You’d Like to Stop Time

The OSM and Abel Selaocoe: Evenings When You’d Like to Stop Time

Reaching for the sky: Francis Choinière’s challenge to end his OPCM’s 10th season

Reaching for the sky: Francis Choinière’s challenge to end his OPCM’s 10th season

Piknic 3: A Little Bit of Everything Under the Sun

Piknic 3: A Little Bit of Everything Under the Sun

Cazzu – Latinaje

Cazzu – Latinaje

Stereolab – Instant Holograms On Metal Film

Stereolab – Instant Holograms On Metal Film

SMCQ | In memoriam Jocelyn Morlock

SMCQ | In memoriam Jocelyn Morlock

Abbey Road at Festival Classica

Abbey Road at Festival Classica

Mira Choquette – Hier encore

Mira Choquette – Hier encore

Jared Dunn; Anna Gorecka – Gorecki’s World of the Piano

Jared Dunn; Anna Gorecka – Gorecki’s World of the Piano

Subscribe to our newsletter