Thomas Helliwell and Pat O’Brien began their collaboration in Hamilton, Ontario in the winter of 2014. Born of their shared love of pop music and an improvised recording setup in O’Brien’s bedroom, the project quickly became an obsession. The two eventually convened in Toronto feeling mutually inspired, shaping and realizing their music. Two years later, this partnership is Jaunt. Now a fully formed band of five, Jaunt creates the type of introspective music that is easy to get lost in.
Jaunt’s new EP Cue is a swift genre-bending ride through moments of doubt and self-reflection. It’s a clear evolution from the band’s 2016 release Chat which explored the pitfalls of modern communication. Cue looks inward, drawing influences from the likes of Stereolab, Nat King Cole, Joni Mitchell and Kashif. The result sees Jaunt refine their nuanced approach to songwriting and production, linking their previous light-hearted tendencies to something a little deeper and darker.
They continue to work with collaborators Caitlin Woelfle-O’Brien (Blunt Chunks) and Mauno’s Eliza Niemi, weaving an array of sounds “…between intersecting male and female vocals, funky synths, quietly virtuosic percussion and the occasional guitar solo” (NOW Magazine). Cue is the work of a band on the move, shifting their sonic palette and expanding stylistic tendencies. At just under fourteen minutes long the experience is immediate, and that’s the way they like it.
Faster Interactions video follows the protagonist in their creative process, moving through obsession, anxiety, and relief. It’s a bit goofy and a bit disturbing. “The idea was born out of wanting to create something that complimented the manic nature of the song while not taking ourselves too seriously. We had a lot of fun with the body-cam shots (were heavily inspired by Trainspotting)” says Duncan.
“The band successfully innovates within a sphere in which creative intentions can so easily turn into generics. They manage to meld incredibly catchy melodies and hooks with unique sounds and textures that make them stand out.”
Also congrats to Jaunt for their signing to Manimal Vinyl.
! “Jaunt knows just how to work their plush pitch and electronic inclinations, instilling in us a sense of longing and setting a sensual mood. Their lyrics dip into blues and their sound seems to capture the metamorphoses of R&B and neo-psych in a relatively short span of minutes. Again, damn.”
“If you’re a fan of coastal drives, palm tree-shaded hammocks, aquamarine ocean water, then this is your kind of summery pop music.”
“…it packs in more inventiveness and charm in 1:45 than most bands manage in a whole career. The Toronto vehicle’s dreamy electronica is such a trip that you’ll be aching for it to last longer, but so turned on about the fact they’ve left you thirsting for more.”
“…a swift dose of breezy, smooth, R&B-leaning pop that’s catchy as hell.”
