By Doug Taylor, The Coast, Halifax
Following up previous collaborations, Toronto-based Janine Stoll joins forces with two members of Afrobeat band Mr. Something Something in The DoneFors. The songs on How to Have Sex With Canadians are dreamlike concoctions that move along crisply with just a hint of the exotic. "Mouth Full of Marbles" wraps a metaphor-drenched narrative with contraband and a guillotine around a hypnotic hook. Stoll gets sultry on a few numbers that could use a horn or two for ambience. Unrequited love, in "The Last Thing You Do," combines streaking and stalking in hopes the object of her affection will see her on the TV news. Such a tale needs crazier music.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
HE CAN FLY HE CAN FLY HE CAN FLY
wanderlusts,
when life gives you nuts you make butter. and then people's throats close up. welcome to the year two thousand an nineteen, where not-so-suddenly old is new and new is so old. soon it's gonna be hip to saran wrap the furniture in the room that you never even hang out in. and you'll only listen to the radio, sitting in a chair in the hallway, by the faux wind up phone, 'cause that's the only place that gets 'faux' reception. only thing is that that stuff will all be digital. but you'll break it (slightly) to make it sound grainy and all retro. or you'll download the 'gramaphone' plugin from Itunes to make it sound quiet and dusty like an old record. the funny papers will be so tame that the funny will elude. the political commentary will breeze over everyone's head. and it will be brought to you c/o a wafer thin monitor. disposable. everything is. but all of the lard in the pie will taste like old times. and therefor; good. just like mom (who cooked crap) made. they're even going to come up with a health conscious (but healthy and gmo) version of lard. be careful out there. what you don't know will kill you. but good music might not. i'm scared of the future. are you? if you want to be scare together and huddle in a bunker, maybe a good place to hangout would be at not my dog on thursday nights in april. the donefors are gonna be hanging out with canned goods and bibles and qurans and all of it, just to get through the thing. we'll play music, cause that's the only thing that makes us feel normal in social situations. but it'll be a safe, happy place. like peter pan. come to a donefors show and you'll find your happy thawt. and then you'll fly.
gumshoes,
janine, paul, liam and brian
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
PRESS - Review: The Donefors - How To Have Sex With Canadians, independent
By Anne-Marie Brugger, !earshot Magazine, Canada
From the opening track, sounding deliciously zenful, it is impossible not to fall under the spell of Janine Stoll's mellifluous voice. How to Have Sex with Canadians is all about falling under the influence of various tonics and the allure of total strangers, and basking in the innocence of love and life.
The DoneFors gracefully capture the essence of the Canadian spirit with sultry, sexy but unpretentious vocals, lyrics, and music. The 12 jazzy, funky and unpredictable tracks will have listeners escaping the doldrums of everyday life with an ounce (sorry, a gram) of typically Canadian self-deprecation. That's definitely one of our sexier traits. (That, and wearing big woolly socks to bed.) On "In My Blood" for instance, Janine croons: "You keep me tied up/ To a hitchin' post/ I'll take my clothes off/ And offer up a toast/ This one's for the funny bones..." Janine, who penned the lyrics, certainly has a way with words.
The DoneFors are a foursome, each with a strong professional history, including electric guitar and singer-songwriter Paul MacDougall, bass player Liam Smith (both of Mr. Something Something), drummer Brian Lahaie (SuperstacK) and, of course, Janine Stoll (The Ladybird Sideshow).
Ms. Stoll's delicate voice sounds angelic and fragile. Yet the incongruous lyrics have her either "Drunk with apathy", or "Stumbling on the brink/ Of too many beers/ Brain full of hash/ Not enough to numb [her] fear". On "Lemons from Argentina", she slurs "I'm here to waste my brain cells/ ...Hail me a cab I'm sleeping/ In a stranger's bed tonight". It's tragic and poignant but ultimately, it's just about living in the moment and without regret. It's about keeping warm in the company of others, anyone.
The DoneFors invite you to good times in bed, in fields, or anywhere and with a promise to keep you aurally stimulated.
Highly recommended.
From the opening track, sounding deliciously zenful, it is impossible not to fall under the spell of Janine Stoll's mellifluous voice. How to Have Sex with Canadians is all about falling under the influence of various tonics and the allure of total strangers, and basking in the innocence of love and life.
The DoneFors gracefully capture the essence of the Canadian spirit with sultry, sexy but unpretentious vocals, lyrics, and music. The 12 jazzy, funky and unpredictable tracks will have listeners escaping the doldrums of everyday life with an ounce (sorry, a gram) of typically Canadian self-deprecation. That's definitely one of our sexier traits. (That, and wearing big woolly socks to bed.) On "In My Blood" for instance, Janine croons: "You keep me tied up/ To a hitchin' post/ I'll take my clothes off/ And offer up a toast/ This one's for the funny bones..." Janine, who penned the lyrics, certainly has a way with words.
The DoneFors are a foursome, each with a strong professional history, including electric guitar and singer-songwriter Paul MacDougall, bass player Liam Smith (both of Mr. Something Something), drummer Brian Lahaie (SuperstacK) and, of course, Janine Stoll (The Ladybird Sideshow).
Ms. Stoll's delicate voice sounds angelic and fragile. Yet the incongruous lyrics have her either "Drunk with apathy", or "Stumbling on the brink/ Of too many beers/ Brain full of hash/ Not enough to numb [her] fear". On "Lemons from Argentina", she slurs "I'm here to waste my brain cells/ ...Hail me a cab I'm sleeping/ In a stranger's bed tonight". It's tragic and poignant but ultimately, it's just about living in the moment and without regret. It's about keeping warm in the company of others, anyone.
The DoneFors invite you to good times in bed, in fields, or anywhere and with a promise to keep you aurally stimulated.
Highly recommended.
Monday, March 30, 2009
PRESS - How to have sex with Canadians: Not (just) a Lonely Planet guidebook
By Chris Conaton, Pop Matters
When you are a band and you name your debut album How to Have Sex With Canadians, you probably need to forgive people who have never heard of you for expecting sarcastic power-pop or snotty pop-punk. As one of those aforementioned people, I was surprised to find that The DoneFors make quiet pop songs, alternately romantic and bittersweet. The four-piece band is fronted by Janine Stoll, whose clear, gentle voice is well-served by her casual, conversational lyrics.
"In a Cornfield" starts out with the memorable lines, "Stumbling on the brink / Of too many beers / Brain full of hash / Not enough to numb my fear." The rest of the band follows Stoll’s lead, keeping the music mostly low-key and unassuming, from smoky blues ("The Narrator", "In My Blood", "Red Fish") to acoustic ballads ("One by One"). The majority of the album is mid-tempo pop, such as the catchy "The King and Me" and the wistful closer "The Last Thing You Do". It’s all well-crafted and likable, but nothing about How to Have Sex With Canadians is particularly memorable. With the exception of the album title and the standout "In a Cornfield", The DoneFors aren’t yet making pop music that is sticky enough to lodge in your brain.
When you are a band and you name your debut album How to Have Sex With Canadians, you probably need to forgive people who have never heard of you for expecting sarcastic power-pop or snotty pop-punk. As one of those aforementioned people, I was surprised to find that The DoneFors make quiet pop songs, alternately romantic and bittersweet. The four-piece band is fronted by Janine Stoll, whose clear, gentle voice is well-served by her casual, conversational lyrics.
"In a Cornfield" starts out with the memorable lines, "Stumbling on the brink / Of too many beers / Brain full of hash / Not enough to numb my fear." The rest of the band follows Stoll’s lead, keeping the music mostly low-key and unassuming, from smoky blues ("The Narrator", "In My Blood", "Red Fish") to acoustic ballads ("One by One"). The majority of the album is mid-tempo pop, such as the catchy "The King and Me" and the wistful closer "The Last Thing You Do". It’s all well-crafted and likable, but nothing about How to Have Sex With Canadians is particularly memorable. With the exception of the album title and the standout "In a Cornfield", The DoneFors aren’t yet making pop music that is sticky enough to lodge in your brain.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PRESS - Disc Review: The Donefors - How To Have Sex With Canadians (independent) - NNN
By Carla Gillis, NOW Magazine, Toronto
There's a goofy quality about Toronto's the Donefors, made up of Janine Stoll (the Ladybird Sideshow), Brian Lahaie (SuperstacK) and Mr. Something Something's Paul MacDougall and Liam Smith. See the album title. And the hammy press photos. And the oddball lyrics.
It's a unique quality considering the sophistication of their music, which features Stoll's sprightly singing front and centre and navigates an eclectic course through jazz/country/chansons/folk/pop waters throughout the 12-song debut. How To Have Sex is a little all over the place, but its bright, balanced production and strong songs help bring everything together.
Top track: Crazy Eight
There's a goofy quality about Toronto's the Donefors, made up of Janine Stoll (the Ladybird Sideshow), Brian Lahaie (SuperstacK) and Mr. Something Something's Paul MacDougall and Liam Smith. See the album title. And the hammy press photos. And the oddball lyrics.
It's a unique quality considering the sophistication of their music, which features Stoll's sprightly singing front and centre and navigates an eclectic course through jazz/country/chansons/folk/pop waters throughout the 12-song debut. How To Have Sex is a little all over the place, but its bright, balanced production and strong songs help bring everything together.
Top track: Crazy Eight
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
PRESS - Indie band you need to know: The DoneFors
By Chris, tuneslevel.com
Toronto's The DoneFors establish an awesome folksy, indie pop sound on their debut album How To Have Sex With Canadians. I'm still not sure what's different about sex with Canadians (Are things just frigid? Do you get hammered on Molson first?), but I do know that the album is full of addictive songs.
Songs like "In A Cornfield" (video below) have warm guitar melodies played in smart rhythms. Add in the unique, indie-friendly voice of Janine Stoll and it becomes pretty hard not to enjoy The DoneFors. If you dig "In A Cornfield," check out "Mouth Full of Marbles" on The DoneFors MySpace. If you want a song with a more rock edge to it, "The Narrator" is cool indie rock as well.
Toronto's The DoneFors establish an awesome folksy, indie pop sound on their debut album How To Have Sex With Canadians. I'm still not sure what's different about sex with Canadians (Are things just frigid? Do you get hammered on Molson first?), but I do know that the album is full of addictive songs.
Songs like "In A Cornfield" (video below) have warm guitar melodies played in smart rhythms. Add in the unique, indie-friendly voice of Janine Stoll and it becomes pretty hard not to enjoy The DoneFors. If you dig "In A Cornfield," check out "Mouth Full of Marbles" on The DoneFors MySpace. If you want a song with a more rock edge to it, "The Narrator" is cool indie rock as well.
FREEDOM OF THE PEST
Hip Toronto Magazine Q: So tell us what's going on with you guys.
DoneFors A: Well, is it just us, or is anyone else feeling like this year's early March is an especially depressing one? I mean, I know we're all good Canadians just for living this cycle every year, but c'mon! It's been the type of winter you just want to end already. And there's more on the way. Us? Well, we've been feeling like we just got dumped. Like we got kidnapped while we were waiting for the bus. Feeling like all hope is lost. Like an abortionist on their way to work. If I were a walrus I'd definitely be Paul. If I were Steve Miller I'd've hung myself just for the press. If I were a bee I'd be a worker and not the queen. Sorry... what was the question?
Hip Toronto Magazine Q: The question was "what's going on with you guys?"
DoneFors A: Oh right! Are you kidding? Tons of SHOWS in Toronto this month. Gladstone / Mitzi's / The Local & C'est What. You'd be completely crazy to miss any of them so we can expect you to have perfect attendance if you want a passing grade. Don't be a flunky.
Your microwave is making you sterile.
Love,
The DoneFors
Monday, March 2, 2009
PRESS - The Donefors: How To Have Sex With Canadians, (Independent) *****
By Chris Homer, Muzic Reviews
The DoneFors don't offer any love advice on How To Have Sex With Canadians, but the album is a surprisingly textured indie rock opus. Hypnotizing guitar melodies flow into the melodic vocals of Janine Stoll, often creating a Neko Case vibe in The DoneFors sound. Despite relying heavily on simple melodies, How To Have Sex With Canadians is an addictive album that's indie rock at it's best.
The DoneFors don't waste your time with any overly experimental songs. "The Narrator" points to the pleasing style that the band develops on the album. The main guitar melody of the track may repeat a few times, but the psychedelic sound established is far from boring. "The Narrator" is complimented with a funky bass line from Liam Smith that ties everything together brilliantly. Meanwhile, Stoll's lofty vocals will leave you mesmerized.
The rhythmic sense that The DoneFors have is the real power behind How To Have Sex With Canadians. "Mouth Full of Marbles" bounces cleverly between a punchy acoustic guitar rhythm and a lightly played melody on electric guitar. Likewise, "Lemons From Argentina" creates a unique sound out of hand-claps and delicate melodies that grab hold of your attention.
Stoll's powerful voice also adds enjoyment to How To Have Sex With Canadians. Her ability becomes obvious on "In My Blood," where the instrumental tracks remain deep in the mix and Stoll is allowed to cut loose.
Later, The DoneFors have more success with "The King And Me." The reggae influences behind the song create an awesome laid-back jam that makes it one of the best efforts on the album.
From beginning to end, How To Have Sex With Canadians is a fantastic listen. The DoneFors don't disappoint once and build an album that will quickly find a place among any indie rockers' favorites.
The DoneFors don't offer any love advice on How To Have Sex With Canadians, but the album is a surprisingly textured indie rock opus. Hypnotizing guitar melodies flow into the melodic vocals of Janine Stoll, often creating a Neko Case vibe in The DoneFors sound. Despite relying heavily on simple melodies, How To Have Sex With Canadians is an addictive album that's indie rock at it's best.
The DoneFors don't waste your time with any overly experimental songs. "The Narrator" points to the pleasing style that the band develops on the album. The main guitar melody of the track may repeat a few times, but the psychedelic sound established is far from boring. "The Narrator" is complimented with a funky bass line from Liam Smith that ties everything together brilliantly. Meanwhile, Stoll's lofty vocals will leave you mesmerized.
The rhythmic sense that The DoneFors have is the real power behind How To Have Sex With Canadians. "Mouth Full of Marbles" bounces cleverly between a punchy acoustic guitar rhythm and a lightly played melody on electric guitar. Likewise, "Lemons From Argentina" creates a unique sound out of hand-claps and delicate melodies that grab hold of your attention.
Stoll's powerful voice also adds enjoyment to How To Have Sex With Canadians. Her ability becomes obvious on "In My Blood," where the instrumental tracks remain deep in the mix and Stoll is allowed to cut loose.
Later, The DoneFors have more success with "The King And Me." The reggae influences behind the song create an awesome laid-back jam that makes it one of the best efforts on the album.
From beginning to end, How To Have Sex With Canadians is a fantastic listen. The DoneFors don't disappoint once and build an album that will quickly find a place among any indie rockers' favorites.
PRESS - The DoneFors: How To Have Sex With Canadians
By Josh Fewings, The Argus, Thunder Bay
Toronto-based band The DoneFors are currently touring Southern Ontario and teaching various cities and towns about sex, or at least how to listen to songs from their album How to Have Sex With Canadians. Despite its risque title, the album is far from being blatantly raunchy. This is an album with so much class that it could be the background music to a martini party, and yet it's grounded in folksy spirit that would fit perfectly into a folk festival lineup. Lead singer Janine Stoll has been playing music for years, but her voice is fresh here, while her lyrics are smart and sassy. Two members of the band are also in Mr. Something Something, an Afro-beat/funk band that has visited the city regularly. With any luck The DoneFors will come to teach us how to have sex in Thunder Bay.
Toronto-based band The DoneFors are currently touring Southern Ontario and teaching various cities and towns about sex, or at least how to listen to songs from their album How to Have Sex With Canadians. Despite its risque title, the album is far from being blatantly raunchy. This is an album with so much class that it could be the background music to a martini party, and yet it's grounded in folksy spirit that would fit perfectly into a folk festival lineup. Lead singer Janine Stoll has been playing music for years, but her voice is fresh here, while her lyrics are smart and sassy. Two members of the band are also in Mr. Something Something, an Afro-beat/funk band that has visited the city regularly. With any luck The DoneFors will come to teach us how to have sex in Thunder Bay.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
PRESS - The DoneFors - How To Have Sex With Canadians
By peanut gallery, Hybrid Magazine
Keith: Indie Astrid Gilberto without Samba but includes incongruent jazzy vocal lines. Tony Childs?
Laurie: I can see hipsters in corduroy sports jackets completely failing to score with this.
Danny: Iron Wine Velvet Sebastien w/ funk bass.
Chris: Jazzy, pop nonsense, but not nearly as maddening as Steely Dan... Ear Jello w/ celery in it.
Keith: Indie Astrid Gilberto without Samba but includes incongruent jazzy vocal lines. Tony Childs?
Laurie: I can see hipsters in corduroy sports jackets completely failing to score with this.
Danny: Iron Wine Velvet Sebastien w/ funk bass.
Chris: Jazzy, pop nonsense, but not nearly as maddening as Steely Dan... Ear Jello w/ celery in it.
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