Creativeman

In addition to high-profile visitors like Alanis Morrissette and Neil Young, Japan has seen a steady flow of less well-known Canadian artists, including Godspeed You Black Emperor and DJ Richie Hawtin. An upcoming appearance by Sloan will offer a chance to see one of the country' most underrated rock bands and assess their new album, Between The Bridges.

Hailing from the unlikely location of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sloan launched their quixotic quest for fame at the Nova Scotia College of Art, where Andrew Scott (drums), Chris Murphy (bass), Patrick Pentland (guitar) and Jay Ferguson (guitar/vocals) were students.

True to their art school origins, Sloan's clever blend of Beatles-influenced guitar pop and the noisier aspects of indie rock stood out on their 1992 debut EP, Peppermint, recorded at a friend's house and released on their own Murderecords.

Coming to the attention of Geffen Records at Canada's East Coast Music Conference, Sloan made their major label debut with Smeared, an album that caught the attention of college radio in the US.

Twice Removed followed, demonstrating the band's growing songwriting prowess and the flavorful counterpoint of Pentland's raw guitar work and Ferguson's poppier vocals.

Following the album, the four members of Sloan went their separate ways for a period, reuniting in 1996 for One Chord To Another, this time for EMI. The album reestablished Sloan as crafty songwriters and masters of four-part harmony, attributes that continue to see them revered among a small but devoted fan base.

Navy Blues followed in 2000, setting the stage for this year's deliciously melodic Between The Bridges.