The Wilderness of Manitoba prefers to characterize itself as an evolving entity. The band’s newest album, Between Colours, is as far-reaching as anything in its catalogue. They feel that it speaks to what an album means to them: that it’s between the one previous and the next one along, and that each album is its own colour. “When a band isn’t changing, it’s not growing,” says guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist Will Whitwham. From the band’s inception, it has redefined itself with every album; from Hymns of Love and Spirits through When You Left The Fire, Island of Echoes and The Leslieville Sessions. The evolution of their sound has run the gamut from four part harmonies and chamber folk to their current more cinematic arrangements. The Wilderness of Manitoba’s upcoming release, Between Colours, showcases an explosion of strength with Whitwham and vocalist/guitarist/violinist Amanda Balsys trading and sharing lead vocals, and with a more rhythmic bottom end led by bassist Wes McClintock. Recorded at Revolution Recording in Toronto with producer Joe Dunphy, the album fully embraces all the studio had to offer. To address the wider range of dynamics in the songs, drummers Tom Bona, Marito Marques and Howie Beck were brought into the sessions. Other guests included Michael Phillip Wojewoda on theremin and Alex Lifeson with a signature guitar solo. The expanding instrumentation and layered guitar and synth effects combine to create one-listen pop hooks and adventurous sonic exploration.
