Population II: A Unique Blend of Prog-Rock and Garage Energy
Prog-Rock Roots with a Garage Rock Spirit
Population II ticks all the boxes for a quintessential progressive rock band. With the ability to fill an entire album side with a single expansive track, their drummer also taking on lead vocals, and both the guitarist and bassist doubling as synth players, they embody the classic prog-rock ensemble. Hailing from Quebec—a province with a rich history in progressive music—this Montreal trio brings a distinctive approach to the genre.
However, their sound is not confined to the intricacies of traditional prog. Instead, they unabashedly embrace a garage rock ethos, characterized by frenetic energy, intense fuzz, and a preference for raw power over technical precision. This intersection of progressive ambition and punk-inspired attitude made them a natural fit for John Dwyer’s Castle Face label, which released their debut album, À la Ô Terre, in 2020. Following in the footsteps of bands like Ty Segall and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Population II leveraged their early association with Castle Face to carve out their own unpredictable musical path.
Confronting Musical Identity with “Maintenant Jamais”
With their third album, Maintenant Jamais, Population II grapples with a compelling question: Can a band still be classified as prog-rock if all their songs are under five minutes long? Drummer and vocalist Pierre-Luc Gratton recently shared with Montreal’s Le Devoir that the band aimed to create catchier compositions for this release. “We wondered how to incorporate these unusual notes without sounding like we spend all our time on Quebec-prog discussion forums,” he noted.
Blurring Genre Lines
Unlike their ’70s predecessors such as Pink Floyd and Rush, who meticulously compartmentalized their lengthy compositions and radio-friendly tracks, Population II revels in the fusion of artistic ambition and reckless spontaneity. Produced in collaboration with Marie Davidson associate Dominic Vanchesteing, Maintenant Jamais emphasizes sharper melodies, richer textures, and cohesive grooves while maintaining the impulsive philosophy that has defined their previous work.
The Art of Crafting Trojan Horses
For Population II, a catchy pop hook serves as a tool to lead listeners on a captivating journey. In contrast to earlier recordings where Gratton’s vocal style leaned heavily on wild wails over the band’s expansive soundscapes, Maintenant Jamais sees him adopting a more melodic, Lennon-esque vocal delivery reminiscent of post-Manipulator Ty Segall and pre-Currents Kevin Parker. The track “homme étoilé” evokes nostalgia for an era when Tame Impala was primarily a tribute to Dungen’s sound.
Dynamic Songcraft
Despite their inclination towards pop hooks, Population II focuses on constructing sonic Trojan horses. The dreamy melody and atmospheric vibe of “Prévisions” subtly draw listeners in before unleashing a tumultuous psychedelic storm, driven by guitarist Tristan Lacombe’s explosive riffs. Meanwhile, “Mariano (Jamais je ne t’oublierai)” juxtaposes its infectious synth-funk rhythm with overwhelming waves of wah-wah and keyboard drone, akin to a vibrant splash consuming a melting film reel.
Conclusion
Population II continues to challenge the boundaries of genre while embodying both the ambitious spirit of progressive rock and the raw energy of garage music. With their latest album, Maintenant Jamais, they successfully navigate the complexities of modern music, creating a sound that is uniquely their own. As they move forward, fans can anticipate even more innovative explorations from this daring trio.
FAQs
What genre does Population II belong to?
Population II blends elements of progressive rock and garage rock, creating a unique sound that incorporates both genres.
What is the significance of their album “Maintenant Jamais”?
With “Maintenant Jamais,” Population II explores their musical identity, questioning whether they can still be considered a prog band with shorter song lengths while maintaining their experimental spirit.
Who produced the album “Maintenant Jamais”?
The album was produced by Dominic Vanchesteing, who has previously collaborated with Marie Davidson.
What themes are explored in their music?
Population II’s music often combines catchy melodies with psychedelic elements, creating a unique juxtaposition between accessible pop and more complex musical ideas.
