Beams

Described as “a hike along Grief Mountain with scenic lookouts,” Requiem stakes out new territory for the “darkly spellbinding” (American Songwriter) Toronto-based sextet. Recorded by Kevin S. McMahon (Swans, Real Estate, Titus Andronicus) at Marcata Recording—a 200-year-old barn in the Shawangunk mountains in New Paltz, NY—Requiem is a world unto itself. Hypnotic vibraphone, purring amps, glistening guitars, and ghostly violin strings weave intoxicating soundscapes that create a sense of intimacy with the listener.

“‘Requiem’ is about grieving the loss of the ‘planet’ we were promised as kids. One where it seemed like we were collectively working to create a more positive future for all, and being faced with the reality that this is simply not true,” explains Mērnieks-Duffield. “We have every right to be angry and sad. But this is our life. If we live in a constant state of reaction to all of the fear-mongering, then the powers that spread those messages around are winning. We have to fight and make spaces to feel joy and love and community.”

Beams take their name from the architectural term: the beams that support a building. Each member—Martin Crawford, Mike Duffield, Keith Hamilton, Heather Mazhar, and Craig Moffat —had been leading and playing in various bands in the scene when in walked Anna Mērnieks, igniting a spark. Beams have evolved through a stylistic progression encompassing aspects of several genres, retaining a strong identity and never chasing trends.