Ari Swan - Symphony Plastique

Symphony Plastique is the debut solo release by Montreal artist Ari Swan. This four-track EP, recorded with Jamie Thompson (The Unicorns, Esmerine), paints a beautiful aural space that includes percussion and various effects that yield an eclectic mix of sounds and rhythms. Swan's vocals and violin weave together nicely around the canvas of sound created by Thompson giving us tracks that are fun, playful and at times intricate; a true symphonic duet.

It's a delight to hear musicians using instruments that tend to fall between the cracks of popular music. Using the violin as the lead instrument is adventurous. You don't always think that violins and pop music can co-exist without potentially going too far into something like the avant-garde, but this EP is accessible. Even amongst the various noises and carnival-like sounds on this album, Swan's vocals are warm and inviting, which helps her pull you into her world. I enjoyed this EP, something about it made me feel good when I was listening to it. Now, it's all about trying to see Ari Swan live.

Final Mark: B+

Catch Ari Swan perform in Montreal on December 20th during the Passovah Holiday Special.

--Fredy M. Iuni hosts Hiway 1, Sundays at 1:00 pm on CJLO