RESPIRE
Toronto post-everything collective Respire has been a pioneering force in the Canadian underground scene for ten years, building a cult-like following over three critically acclaimed LPs and four international tours. Drawing inspiration from the expansive soundscapes of iconic Canadian bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Respire pushes the boundaries of heavy music, intertwining intricate, uplifting orchestral arrangements with the intensity and urgency of emotional hardcore and the desperation of black metal. The seven-member collective’s DIY ethos has remained unshakable, the fruits of their dedication to self-reliance, creative autonomy, and community-building ever present in the Toronto musical landscape through New Friends Fest, co-founded and co-organized by two of its members.
Following the storming intensity of 2020’s Black Line, Hiraeth finds Respire returning to a more introspective and melancholic sound, punctured by triumphant and anthemic moments, standing as a testament to the collective’s ambition, genre-defying style, and maximalist approach. The album is a tribute to those who have uprooted their lives in search of hope and a cautionary tale to those who remain falsely secure in their illusory societal positions. It is a manifesto of the immigrant experience; a call for all of us to embrace our shared humanity, awaken to the fragility of our existence, and confront the crises we face collectively before it’s too late.