Chicago, Illinois
Canasta
Completely interconnected with Chicago, Canasta are sort of local heroes in the state of Illinois,
with the press writing honoring them with glorious reviews like “the best thing the Chicago scene
has to offer” and “the best pop band you've never heard of.” And the good thing is that
this is not a case of local overhype.
Canasta (often compared to artists like Arcade Fire, Belle & Sebastian, The Decemberists, New Pornographers,
Sufjan Stevens and Wilco) is a band that loves grand, dramatic, orchestral pop without hesitating to pay their
respects to their alt country influence, producing a detailed and sophisticated body of songs. They have played
live with a wide range of artists, from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Kaiser Chiefs and The Lemonheads, to American
Music Club, Imperial Teen and The Earlies. When you visit their website, under audio, you’ll find the songs
“Slow Down Chicago,” “Impostors” and “Shadowcat” for free legal downloading
and even 13 full remixed tracks! And after that you will be wondering just like me: How is it possible that
these guys haven’t got a major contract yet?
— Ilias Katirtzigianoglou, Pop+Rock (Greece), May, 2009
