ESMERINE

May 22

Written By Ryhna Thompson

Canada's Esmerine are an ambitious, Juno Award winning chamber rock ensemble known for their expansive, largely acoustic and guitar-free instrumental sound, which draws from avant-garde classical and post-punk as well as several traditional styles
Esmerine was co-founded by percussionist Bruce Cawdron (Godpseed You! Black Emperor) and cellist Rebecca Foon (Thee Silver Mt. Zion, Saltland). They are joined by percussionist Alden Roberge (Ian Tamblyn), multi-instrumentalist Brian Sanderson, and bassist Philippe Charbonneau (Scattered Clouds). The group has always been a laboratory of rotating regulars and a portal for numerous guest collaborators.

Esmerine has released seven acclaimed albums—with one foot in contemporary classical and late 20th century Minimalism, the other in more visceral and lyrical sonic territory informed by post-rock, punk, folk and global. Every record has been marked by a distinct and collaborative thematic agenda informed by a reciprocal and interactive relationship with the time and circumstances of its creation. Incorporating “the world” into their recorded works has always been both a metaphoric and practical concern, taking themes, zeitgeists and ideas from our contemporary social, cultural, emotional and political sphere—while also partaking in cross-cultural music-making, inviting non-western instruments and musicians into the fold. The Canadian quintet shares stylistic affinities with the likes of Dirty Three, Sō Percussion, Winged Victory For The Sullen, Grails, and Rachel's.

Esmerine's music has been nominated for several Juno awards, winning Instrumental Album of the Year for Dalmak (2014) and Recording Package of the Year for Lost Voices (2016). Their latest album Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More (2022) won the "Instrumental Album of the Year" and "Album Artwork of the Year" at the 2023 Juno awards.
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