Thursday, November 10, 2022

Miesha and The Spanks - "I Can't Wait"/"Dig Me Out"


The latest in an on-going string of smash hits from the illustrious Reta Records is a brand-new 7" which collects a pair of fantastic digital singles released earlier this year by Calgary duo Miesha & The Spanks. I can rarely type the words "double A-side" with a straight face, but in this case it would be a slight to not invoke that very description. Miesha and The Spanks are Miesha Louie and Sean Hamilton. Together they rock harder than any two people have a right to. Their sound is hard to pigeonhole. It's anthemic rock and impassioned punk and infectious power pop all at the same time. Influences from punk's past lay a bedrock foundation, but all in all this band sounds super fresh and totally "now" in 2022. And without a doubt, Miesha Louie is one of the best singers I've heard in today's music scene. She's got an incredible vocal tone which she uses like a force of nature. 

Produced by the Buzzcocks' Danny Farrant along with Paul Rawson, both of this single's tracks sound like they could revive alternative rock radio in all its glory. Originally released in July, "I Can't Wait" is the ultimate feelgood summer song. Its re-release in the middle of November feels like a gift from the music gods. Forget those winter blahs  — they've been canceled! Coming on with massive hooks and an unstoppable, contagious energy, this is a summer jam that hits the spot any day of the year. From the killer riff to the knockout vocal to the explosive chorus, this song is three minutes of non-stop awesomeness. The other hit here has a very different vibe but is a song that the world needs to hear. Originally released in April, "Dig Me Out" is a powerful and deeply emotional reaction to the discovery of 215 child remains at the Kamloops Residential School last year. It's both a passionate indictment of an unspeakable injustice and an empowering anthem for the survivors of residential schools. At a time when the music is sometimes an afterthought in political songs, "Dig Me Out" demonstrates how truly inspired music can enhance the power of the message. Miesha's vocal will give you chills. I urge you all to watch the music video which details the horrific history of North American residential schools. This song and video will get you worked up, and that's a good thing. 

Jamie from Reta Records has again shown her impeccable taste with the addition of Miesha and The Spanks to her star-studded roster. Reta has already released the best EP of the year. Might the label also claim the best single of 2022? We shall see! Following up this single, Miesha and The Spanks have a new album in the works. If these songs are an indication of what's to come, we're in for something special. The new 7" just went up for sale today and is limited to 50 copies hand-cut by Robyn at Red Spade Records. Move quickly if you want in on this action!

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