If I were to gather a group of musicians and song-writers from the close knit and diverse world of original music in Edmonton and I dropped the names ‘Stew Kirkwood’ (Sound Extractor Studio) and ‘Scott Franchuk' (Riverdale Recorders), I can guarantee that it wouldn’t take very long to gather a list of complimentary stories and anecdotes involving each of the aforementioned studio owner/operator and sound engineers. Those in that group who might not be in-the-know would quickly learn of positive professional recording studios in Edmonton, both with a very personable engineers who’ve made it their life’s work to make Edmonton music sound ‘fantastic.’
Not ‘good.’
Not even ‘great.’
‘Fantastic.’ A term that roots itself in wonder, amazement, and… well; fantasy.
If it seems like I’m laying it on a little thick it’s because the way a song is captured, equalized, mastered, and presented to the public is crucial to not only the potential success of an album, but to the confidence of the band who’s songs are featured. A great sounding album can help to propel a band to another level – helping them secure better shows, collect greater numbers of fans, and increase the reach of their songs.
The fact of the matter is that you have to put a lot into the presentation of a song so that someone can hear it on CKUA and suddenly decide without hesitation: “I like it!” – And; suffice to say, when a releases an album made in conjunction with either Stew Kirkwood or Scott Franchuk, it is cause for both pride and celebration. The celebration grows exponentially when not one; but both engineers are involved in an album as is the case with The Super 92’s new album “Two Sides of The Super 92”
That said (as I paraphrase a quip from songwriting guru Steve Earle), if you ain’t got songs, you ain’t got nothing.
This is when being a member of The Super 92 becomes very convenient. The Edmonton-proud 5 piece country-flavored indie band is in no short supply of fun & upbeat wit-infused song-writing complimented with pop sensibilities pushed forward by a rock solid rhythm section, a duo of jangly guitars, keys, and expertly-harmonized vocals. The sonic space is full, yet dynamic, and somehow these 5 players manager not to step on each other’s toes.
The Super 92 has been building their momentum over the past several years, gradually developing such regionally relevant songs as the recently release single ‘The Metro Line’ (a song that gains relevance with each passing broadcast day) and ‘Come On To The North Side’ as well as one of the more humorous and entertaining social media presences in the area. (Then again, maybe this is the kind of social media presence you’d expect from a band whose name is likely derived from vintage line of harvesting
equipment, yet is also somehow vaguely reminiscent of a former Edmonton-based pop radio station)… but isn’t that the point? Entertainment? If it’s entertainment you seek then I’ll conclude that it is fair to say that The Super 92 is deserving of their complimentary adjective regardless of the origin.
Super, indeed! They’re the Super 92, and they’re here for you.
-- FatDave Johnston