life with more cowbell

The Fairest and Best released their new EP When I Feel Like This back on October 23. Due to my scaled-back blogging schedule for the duration of my copywriting class, I missed the party, but I’ve been listening to the record and finally have some time to shout it out in more detail. These guys are a treat to watch live, with their hard-working, adept musicianship, and gorgeous vocals and harmonies – not to mention a great sense of fun and playful audience interaction. Last time I saw the band was at their Horseshoe Tavern gig in May, where they gave the crowd a sneak preview of the new EP.

The Fairest and Best are: Robert Graham (lead vocals/keys), Caitlin Holland (vocals/back-up vocals), Tony Nesbitt-Larking (drums), Darryl Wood (guitar), Brant Garratt (guitar) and Gerry Williams (bass).

When I Feel Like This is a tight record; short and sweet, the combined tracks are a great showcase for the band’s eclectic talents. The title track has a feel-good, rhythmic groove and tight harmonies. “One Little Sign” is a passionate rock ballad dialogue between a guy and a gal, featuring Holland; it’s bittersweet, whimsical love song about a couple trying wondering if they can get the feeling back. “I Won’t Cry For You” features a driving, guitar rawkin’ anthem and lyrics that talk about looking back with no regrets.

You can also find The Fairest and Best on Facebook and Twitter; and check out front man Robert Graham’s CD Storm in a Teacup sometime.

The Fairest and Best have a gig coming up in Toronto in the New Year – on Jan 7 at 9 p.m., when the band will be joining The Celebration Army and Sara Wilkinson at The Piston. In the meantime, check out the video for “One Little Sign”: