In the air without a shape marks the band’s first LP under record label Arts & Crafts
Bernice’s new release, Puff LP: In the air without a shape, is a collection of light and breezy tracks which delve into elements of pop and R&B. Dreamy and serene in all the right ways, each song moves smoothly across changing dynamics of sound and atmosphere, creating an interesting mix of musical structures.
Based in Toronto, the band consists of Robin Dann, Thom Gill, Daniel Fortin, Felicity Williams, and Phil Melanson, although Dann rests at the centre of the band’s creative output. Building on 2017’s Puff EP, the Puff LP is Bernice’s first full-length album since 2011’s What Was That. Between albums, Dann has sharpened her electro-pop skills and achieved a softer, yet more melodic sound.
The album’s subtitle, In the air without a shape, truly captures the nature of the album’s sound; the songs seem made with a delicate hand, floating along Dann’s whispering vocals like wisps of smoke that disperse into the air. The songs take on an almost dreamlike quality with their soft ambience, reminiscent of Brian Eno’s Music for Airports, which then leads into more energetic R&B grooves. “Passenger Plane” captures the pop element of Bernice’s sound as it slowly glides across sparse synth chords, breaking into a gentle yet upbeat melody with Dann’s vocals guiding the rhythm. As the song progresses it begins to fill out with a subtle drum track and backing vocals; more noise seeps into the mix, building into a burst of sound and harmony.
The tranquil nature of Bernice’s album is one of its distinct qualities, though despite its ability to zero in on some spectacular rhythms, the dreamy element of their sound sometimes feels a tad repetitive. However, during the moments of the album in which they are able to achieve the right balance of vibrancy and tranquility, Bernice end up creating incredible expressions of pop and ambience. As a whole, Puff LP: In the air without a shape is a dreamlike composition and an effective argument for keeping your head in the clouds.
Photo courtesy of Bernice