Tops (band) explained

TOPS
Origin:Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Years Active:2011–present
Associated Acts:Silly Kissers
Sugar Boys
Label:Arbutus Records,Musique TOPS
Current Members:Jane Penny
David Carriere
Riley Fleck
Marta Cikojevic
Past Members:Thom Gillies
Madeline Glowicki
Jenni Roberts
Alana DeVito
Jackson MacIntosh

Tops (stylized in all capital letters as TOPS) is a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec, which currently consists of Jane Penny, David Carriere, Riley Fleck, and Marta Cikojevic. They were formed in 2011 following the disbandment of synthpop group Silly Kissers, of which Carriere, Penny, and Gillies were members, along with Arbutus Records recording artist Sean Nicholas Savage.[1] TOPS are prominent within the Arbutus Records and Canadian indie music scenes.[2] Their debut album, Tender Opposites, was released on February 28, 2012, in Canada and the United States, and October 1, 2012, in the rest of the world, to generally positive reviews. The album was named the eighth best album of 2012 by Gorilla vs. Bear.[3] Their second studio album, Picture You Staring, was released in 2014 on Arbutus Records and featured artwork from LA-based artist Jessica Dean Harrison.

History

TOPS was founded in 2011 by childhood friends Jane Penny and David Carriere from Edmonton, Alberta. Penny and Carriere met drummer Riley Fleck at La Brique, the loft venue where they rehearsed for shows with their former band, Silly Kissers with Sean Nicholas Savage.[4]

In 2012, TOPS released their debut album, Tender Opposites, which received critical acclaim for its nostalgic yet refreshing approach to pop music. The album features former bassist Thom Gillies.

The band followed up with the release of Picture You Staring in 2014,[5] further solidifying their reputation for creating infectious tunes layered with intricate instrumentation and Penny's emotive singing.

Marta Cikojevic joined as keyboardist in 2017.[6]

Discography

Studio albums

Singles and EPs

Videos

YearVideoDirectorLink
2022 "Janet Planet"Anthony Martino MauriceYouTube
2020"Colder & Closer"Mashie AlamYouTube
2020"I Feel Alive"Mashie AlamYouTube
2019"Topless"Jane PennyYouTube
2017"Marigold & Gray"Laura-Lynn PetrickYouTube
2017"Further"Jane PennyYouTube
2017"Petals"Jane PennyYouTube
2015"Anything"Tommy KeithYouTube
2015"Sleeptalker"Sadie HollidayYouTube
2015"Driverless Passenger"Jason HarveyYouTube
2014"Outside"Fantavious FritzYouTube
2014"Way To Be Loved"Fantavious FritzYouTube
2014"Change of Heart"David Carriere & Jane PennyYouTube
2012"Turn Your Love Around"Graham FoyYouTube
2012"Double Vision"David CarriereYouTube
2012"Diamond Look"Marilis CardinalVimeo
2012"Rings Of Saturn"Jasper BaydalaYouTube

Band members

Current members
Former members

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: TOPS Announce Debut Full-length 'Tender Opposites' . Exclaim! . 2012-01-16 . 2013-08-14.
  2. Web site: The Warehouse Pop Of Arbutus Records . Dazed Digital . 2013-07-12 . 2013-08-14.
  3. Web site: gorilla vs. bear's albums of 2012 . Gorilla Vs. Bear . 2012-12-02 . 2013-08-14.
  4. Web site: TOPS of the Pops – Impose Magazine . 2023-12-25 . imposemagazine.com.
  5. Web site: TOPS: Picture You Staring . 2023-12-25 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  6. Web site: 2022-03-29 . Marci (TOPS’ Marta Cikojevic) – "Entertainment" . 2023-12-25 . Stereogum . en.