The Wilderness of Manitoba has never stood still. Since being founded in 2009, the Toronto-based group has remained a fluid, dynamic project, each album bringing a new direction and change of personnel. The one constant is lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Will Whitwham, the guiding force that steers the band between chamber pop, indie folk and rock.
New record Farewell to Cathedral is no different. With a fresh line-up which sees Whitwham joined by Victoria Carron (vocals/acoustic guitar), Tavo Diez de Bonilla (bass/vocals) and Adam Balsam (drums/vocals/guitar/keyboards), it represents the latest stage of The Wilderness of Manitoba’s evolution. “I’ve always been a believer in fresh collaborations because everyone you meet influences your creative process in some way,” Whitwham explains. “It’s up to you to decide whether they fuel it or stagnate it. In this particular case, the four of us together was the best fit for the current batch of songs. Adam, Victoria and Tavo all brought something very unique to the table with their voices and playing styles.”
The band have just unveiled a new single, ‘The Well Has Run Dry’, to introduce what this iteration sounds like. Where previous releases were meticulous processes of constant reworking, Farewell to Cathedral finds The Wilderness of Manitoba in its most organic state. The album was recorded in just two days at Toronto’s Revolution Recording, and something of this spontaneity is present in the songs. A sense of authenticity usually present only in live performance. And for a record concerning hope within times of loss and sadness, the sound carries a palpable sincerity that lends the sentiment a convincing air.
The band have also unveiled a live session video, filmed by Mitch Fillion, which you can check out below:
Farewell To Cathedral releases today and is available on streaming services
Photo by Jonathan Adediji