Photo by Sarah Suresh
Beloved Toronto-based shoegaze band Iris broke up in 2015 but has returned from the dead to bring us some new tunes. Their new single, "Touch", is an emotional knockout punch that sees the band firing on all cylinders. The song itself functions sort of like a Tarantino movie, merging homage and pastiche with the band's own sensibilities to create something that is both familiar and nostalgic, yet contemporary and uniquely their own.New singer and bass player Megan Boni's vocals flow effortlessly through the soundscapes crafted by guitarists Scott Downes and Angel Scorcia, while the pulsating rhythm section of Boni and drummer Leigh Fisk keep the song planted firmly to the ground. We caught up with Scott Downes and asked him about the band's new life. Listen to "Touch" below and preorder the album here.
Scott Downes: It feels better than I ever thought it would. Me, Danielle, Leigh and our friend Dan started a project called Blue Moon last fall and released a demo. We decided we wanted to move towards shoegaze instead and rebooted Iris. Danielle ended up moving away and Dan got too busy. I ended up meeting Meg, and they introduced Leigh and myself to Angel, and now everything is great again. You are the only original member in the current lineup. How has the songwriting process changed with new arrangement?
The biggest change is definitely that it feels like everyone in the band is involved in songwriting. These songs specifically have been written for a while, but Leigh, Meg, and Angel all jumped right in to contribute their ideas for the songs. It really wouldn't be the same without any of them. What do you think of the modern shoegaze scene in Southern Ontario?
It celebrates itself. How about the resurgence of classic shoegaze bands in recent years?
It's great sometimes… I really liked Slowdive's new record. Is Angel an actual angel? Does he have wings?
Yes, and yes.Tour Dates
August 22nd - Smiling Buddha, Toronto ON
August 23rd - Pressed, Ottawa ON
August 24th - Le Knock Out, Quebec City QB
August 25th - Claude's House, Moncton NB
August 27 - Menz & Mollyz, Halifax NS
August 29th - Callahan's, St. John NB
August 30th - Read's Newsstand, Fredricton NB
August 31st - Quai des BrumesDaniel G. Wilson is a writer and musician from Mississauga. He's on Twitter.
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Noisey: How does it feel to be back? What inspired the return?
Scott Downes: It feels better than I ever thought it would. Me, Danielle, Leigh and our friend Dan started a project called Blue Moon last fall and released a demo. We decided we wanted to move towards shoegaze instead and rebooted Iris. Danielle ended up moving away and Dan got too busy. I ended up meeting Meg, and they introduced Leigh and myself to Angel, and now everything is great again. You are the only original member in the current lineup. How has the songwriting process changed with new arrangement?
The biggest change is definitely that it feels like everyone in the band is involved in songwriting. These songs specifically have been written for a while, but Leigh, Meg, and Angel all jumped right in to contribute their ideas for the songs. It really wouldn't be the same without any of them. What do you think of the modern shoegaze scene in Southern Ontario?
It celebrates itself. How about the resurgence of classic shoegaze bands in recent years?
It's great sometimes… I really liked Slowdive's new record. Is Angel an actual angel? Does he have wings?
Yes, and yes.Tour Dates
August 22nd - Smiling Buddha, Toronto ON
August 23rd - Pressed, Ottawa ON
August 24th - Le Knock Out, Quebec City QB
August 25th - Claude's House, Moncton NB
August 27 - Menz & Mollyz, Halifax NS
August 29th - Callahan's, St. John NB
August 30th - Read's Newsstand, Fredricton NB
August 31st - Quai des BrumesDaniel G. Wilson is a writer and musician from Mississauga. He's on Twitter.