Eliza Niemi’s indie-pop album Progress Bakery is out now. I recommend listening with headphones as there are little nuances in the production you don’t want to miss. I would also listen to these songs in order as this is a concept album with each song smoothly flowing into the next. The listening experience is similar to the feeling of turning the pages of a captivating novel.
There are many collaborators on this album including Toronto artist Dorothea Paas who sang backup vocals. Niemi also collaborated on Paas’s album Think Of Mist where she played cello on some of the tracks.
The mood of Progress Bakery is warm and inviting, with Niemi’s soothing vocals gently guiding listeners through a time of transition. Niemi hopes that listeners connect with the record in a personal and meaningful way. “I hope listeners find something for themselves in Progress Bakery; something personal that makes them feel less lonely in the world. I hope they laugh at some point while listening,” she shared.
The opening track is “Do U FM,” (Which stands for Do You Feel Me.) It is a intimate and reflective track. In the lyrics Niemi asks rhetorical questions such as, “why did they move the rock to the other side?” – a line inspired by a rock being moved at her childhood park in Toronto where she learned how to ride a bike.
I was also fascinated by how Niemi blends the genres of classical with singer/songwriter on the album. The cello is front-and-centre, heard in songs including, “I Tried,” “Green Box” and “Melodies Like Mark.”
The theme of nostalgia is also conveyed in the song “Green Box” which was inspired by the video game Crash Bash. “Green Box is about fireflies and the nitro boxes in the video game Crash Bash for PlayStation 2,” said Niemi.
This album is a 10/10. It is unique how Niemi incorporated some of her original voice memos into the mix. I am excited to hear these songs live at her listening party in Toronto on April 27th at The Garrison.
Check out Amanda’s interview on Met 30 with Eliza Niemi here:
