It might feel like ages since we last heard from The Rest (way back in March). But, they actually haven’t slowed down a bit. These Toronto-based soundscape masochists have been hard at work on their forthcoming album, SEESAW, due out in early 2011. And with their sophomore release only now hitting a year old, and their brilliant Cried Wolf Book/EP being one of the biggest highlights of 2010, it’s hard to imagine what kind of beautiful madness this tremendous group has to offer us in the coming months.

If their leadoff single “John Huston” is an example of what SEESAW will bring us, then hot damn we are in for a treat! This profound ode to one of the most famous filmmakers of all time is likely to be the finest work The Rest has ever produced. Their style hasn’t changed much, which is excellent, but they seem to have expanded on their signature spaced out style of indie rock, and threw in a bit of bedroom pop into the mix to create a sultry and rhythmic sound that screams with a great sense of modernized improvement.

Yes, “John Huston” is only one track, which should most definitely inspire us to know that SEESAW deserves the right to be highly anticipated, and will very likely be one of the best albums of the coming year. Sure this might be a bit of pressure on The Rest. But, given their excellent track record, I’m sure they’re up to the challenge.

Download: “John Huston” by The Rest

Toronto’s favorite group of indie rockers The Rest have always shown a certain flare for making tunes that generate wild imagery in one’s mind. Now they have brought a new flavor of obscurity to the moving pictures (a.k.a. music videos, google “MTV in the 80′s”). Yes, they are showing off again, but they have branched off into a new zone of creativity by providing an updated soundtrack to Alfred Hitchcock’s cult classic film “The Lady Vanishes” with their stellar track of the same name.

The Rest’s void filling sophomore release Everyone All At Once, which I recently reviewed, certainly fits the Hitchcock-ian aura. And “The Lady Vanishes” has a video that is an outstanding homage to the grandfather of mystery. Through beautiful lyrics and well trimmed excerpts (courtesy of master editor Adam Bentley), a great six minute epitaph has been developed. Once again The Rest have shown that their genius is more than self evident and deserving of admiration by all.

The Rest – The Lady Vanishes from The Rest on Vimeo.

There is no telling what emotions The Rest might conjure up when you hear their brilliant sophomore release Everyone All At Once. This is an indie-rock rock-symphony for our time. The band has worked long and hard to create an atmosphere derived solely from their heart’s ambition. As well as pulling influence from nature and booze. But, aren’t most great works inspired in such ways?

This album plays out like a shoegaze fairytale. Every corner-piece is in place, and no integrity of their centered morality is compromised. They plainly rock as anyone could see. And the soft-hearted “Modern Time Travel (Necessities)” is a highlight for it’s soulful composure leading into a well-timed dramatic effect. “Coughing Blood/Fresh Mountain Air” is as disturbing as it sounds. Yet, it’s touching at the same time.

The Rest is one happening band of Canadian merry men (and one lady, for a total cast of seven) who sound as though they would give their lives for their music. Even if this is not true, it is a good persona to take on. This is a band that controls their own destiny and have an extremely bright future ahead of them. After two albums, sold out shows all over Toronto, and a upcoming British invasion (they will tour London throughout October), The Rest with Everyone All At Once in their arsenal will surely be a force to be reckoned with.

The Rest: Apples And Allergies [mp3]

The Rest: Blossom Babies Part Two [mp3]

Auteur Recordings [CD, 2009]

1. Coughing Blood / Fresh Mountain Air
2. Modern Time Travel (Necessities)
3. Sheep In Wolves’ Clothing
4. Phonetically, Phonetically
5. Apples & Allergies
6. Drinking Again
7. Blossom Babies Part Two
8. Walk On Water (Auspicious Beginnings)
9. The Lady Vanishes
10. Everything All At Once