I didn’t have to actually listen to Purple Hill’s latest album, Bring On The Macho, to know I was going to dig it. With song titles like “The Hermit of Gully Lake,” “Rainbow Unicorn” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Shortmen,” it’s kind of a given.  

Amazing song titles aside, the Toronto-based band stands out for many reasons—the Lou Reed-esque vocals of lead singer Owen Marchildo, clever lyrics that make you stop and chuckle to yourself, their catchy musical marriage of spacey psychedelic-meets-country twang, and helpful advice (no, really—their song “Share Properly” is all about applying lessons from kindergarten to your relationship).  

If you would like to own this album, you best be attending the band’s record release party tomorrow night (9 pm) at the Silver Dollar Room (486 Spadina Avenue). Purple Hill will be there, obviously, along with Tusks, Dora Alexander and DJ Aaron Knight of 60’s dance party Shake A Tail. Admission is $6 or $10 with a CD, which you’re going to want.  

~ Caitlyn Holroyd