If there is one idea that unites this country, it’s that Ottawa is boring*. I have spent a lot of time there (including last weekend!), it’s not an insult. It’s a fact. It’s like saying Vancouver is wet, or that New Brunswick is surprisingly French. It’s fine! Toronto is expensive and overrated!** That’s how it works. I don’t make the rules.

Nobody told Root Cause. Between them and Hot Mud, Ottawa might be having a moment.***

Their debut EP came out late last year. It’s called Chuck it Out!, it’s all of 22 minutes long, and I heard it for the first time the other day. These guys make charming, emotional, funny, nostalgic emo/punk/alt rock. Late nights, mistakes, massive highs and crushing lows that make for epic stories and lifelong memories of being young and foolish. It’s contagious and relatable.

The lyrics are earnest and self-deprecating, and the melodies are catchy as hell. The production is crisp and polished for a debut — it centers the vocal, making the lyrics clear and distinct. It sounds great. At various points this record made me think of a less-dour Dashboard Confessional, recent faves Dollar Signs and Fxrrvst (first try!).

They’re also pretty good live, even factoring in the bizarre editing choices on this recording:

There is also an excellent acoustic live performance on CKCU from a couple months ago, even though the media player feels like it’s from 1999. These guys are playing a lot right now — check their Instagram for dates, and go see them play if you get the chance.

*It’s not. Ottawa’s great, but I like the bit.
**Expensive yes. Not overrated.
***There are surely more! I just found out about Backseat Dragon. I know nothing about the Ottawa music scene. Tell me who I should listen to.

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