Fur Bearing Animals (Independent)

On this self-titled debut EP, Fur Bearing Animals bring some overseas club etiquette to Vancouver’s dance scene. Disc opener “Ivy Harvey Shoes” blends Ed Banger–issue beats with Michael Fraser’s vibrant violin lines, which reference Italo Disco as much as they do a barnyard hoedown. However, as infectious as the tune may be, Andrew Clements’s vocals don’t quite gel atop its thumping chorus of bulging synths; his soft, lower-register croon comes off as Jack Johnson doing karaoke to Justice’s “Waters of Nazareth”.

The singer’s voice fares better on standout cut “Space Shuttle Worn Machine”, as he uses a fey vibrato to play off the song’s porno-soundtrack guitars. Although heavy on booty-shaking dance-floor anthems (“How Could I”), the six-song EP isn’t afraid to stray from the duo’s favoured formula. “Someway” is an uninspired soul tune more reminiscent of Remy Shand than Isaac Hayes, but the minimalist reggae skank of “Empty Room” redeems that with its understated melody. Although the Fur Bearing Animals are still trying to find their voice, the heady blend of electronics here kick their career off with a bang.