I first got into Siskiyou’s debut album early this summer during a trip to Vancouver. I didn’t realise at the time that the band were themselves based in Vancouver or that they have pretty strong connections to one of my favourite Canadian bands, Great Lake Swimmers. Despite my ignorance I had acquired the S/T album and by complete chance I put it on one evening on the balcony of my room, looking out towards the sea, Stanley Park and further in the distance North Vancouver and Grouse Mountain. It may sound cliché but Siskiyou just seemed to suit British Columbia down to the ground. Watching the mist slowly veil the snow capped peaks, the light dropping as the city’s lights come to life… I guess you had to be there but I kind of fell in love with the place. Siskiyou bring it back each time I listen.
Siskiyou have another album, Keep Away The Dead, due out in the very near future (October 4th on Constellation Records). If you are impatient (like myself) or need more convincing then you can stream the album now on the Exclaim! website. I’ve only heard the album fully once (although I’ve heard ‘Twigs & Stones’ quite a bit) but I can confidently say it’s a strong follow up.
If you are lucky enough to live in/near Vancouver then get yourself to the Waldorf Hotel on October 13th for the release party of Keep Away The Dead.