I’ve been hearing an awful lot about Toronto collective Bruce Peninusla without actually hearing anything by them.  There’s really no excuse for that in the time of Myspace; likewise, when you’re being constantly bombarded with information and music from all corners of the globe, it’s easy to miss some of the great stuff that’s happening in your own backyard.

I had my memory jogged when the band ended up 5th on the list of 2008 Hottest Bands in Canada that Matt over at I Heart Music compiled, which is quite an impressive showing for a band that only has a 7″ single to it’s name.  The buzz around Bruce Peninsula is based solely on the strength of their live performances, which have been referred to as quasi-religious events by some.  Expectations are runnig very high for the band’s debut album, A Mountain Is A Mouth, which will be self-released in February.

So why the fuss?  Bruce Peninsula are truly a collective, with members coming and going from gig to gig.  For the purpose of the album, the band is listed as Matt Cully, Neil Haverty, Misha Bower, Steve McKay, Andrew Barker, Katie Stelmanis, Isla Craig, Kari Peddle, Casey Mecija, Maya Postepski and Leon Taheny, with cameos by Mike Smith, Matt “Doc” Dunn, Nick Storring, and Colin Fisher.  Yes, you counted correctly:  that’s 11 members, plus 4 more thrown in for good measure.  Their prediliction for traditional music, like the chain gang song “Rosie” they’ve performed live, brings to mind a travellig revivalist choir, spreading the good word through song.  Here’s hoping that soon and very soon, we’re going to hear much more from Bruce Peninsula.

Myspace: Bruce Peninsula