Today, Montreal-based rock trio Population II have released their new EP Gimmicks via Bonsound marking a notable shift in both sound and direction. Known for their explosive, art-leaning prog rock tendencies, the band takes a more exploratory turn here, embracing a dreamy, experimental palette infused with hazy synth textures and a “synthedelic” atmosphere.
While the intensity of their earlier work isn’t entirely absent, Gimmicks leans into mood and texture over sheer force.
The result is a more immersive and fluid listening experience, showing a band willing to stretch their identity and venture into more hypnotic, off-kilter sonic territory.
About the EP by Population II:
Blending vocal and instrumental tracks, Gimmicks is a companion piece to the Montreal band’s latest full-length.
It’s an extension of the electronic sounds we explored on Maintenant Jamais, with tracks like “13 1 3 1” and “Poudreuse Blues”, explains Pierre-Luc Gratton.
Even though we added upright piano and fuzz bass to some of the songs, our number one rule for this project was: keyboards and synthesizers, first and foremost! This is why they decided to ditch the guitar completely on these new songs, once again demonstrating their versatility.
Rhythmically, the use of a drum machine allowed the musicians to push their own boundaries and elevate this exercise in style.
It made us rethink our rhythmic habits and add bursts of intensity by experimenting with timbres and sound dynamics.
The result is an EP at times unsettling, at times dreamy, but perfectly calibrated, where constraint gives way to ingenuity, freedom, and friendship. Although prog and krautrock fans will recognize the influence of Syrinx, Tangerine Dream, and Cluster, Gimmicks is, above all, the affirmation of a band capable of looking back to move forward.
Gimmicks gets: 📷📷📷📷📷📷📷/10.
Population II – Gimmicks [Streaming]
