Toronto-based BREEZE are back with their highly anticipated album, “Sour Grapes,” set to release December 8th 2023 through Hand Drawn Dracula Records. The new album delivers a distinctive 90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave sound that garnered critical acclaim for their 2021 release, “Only Up,” praised by the likes of CBC Music, CLASH, Pitchfork, KEXP, NPR, Stereogum and featured a scores of the Toronto indie scene, including members of Orville Peck, Tallies, Zoon, Ducks Ltd, Marcii, Tess Parks, Cadence Weapon, and Broken Social Scene.

“Sour Grapes” represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by renowned producer Josh Korody (known for his work with Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a five piece following their debut performance on KEXP Live At Home Session. The album was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardiner (of RIDE) at OX4Sound studio.

On album opener “You’ve Decided,” Breeze employs a charmingly frenetic interplay of guitar and piano, think The Style Council and Black Grape, scored over a lyrical confrontation demanding accountability. The track sets the tone for the album’s duality of serving up-beat driven melodies mirroring tenuous conversations and relationships.

The pace and vibrant energy carries through on “Ready For Love” with Korody’s emotive vocal pleas tugging at heartstrings while the cascading rhythm effortlessly sways the dancefloor, evoking the bravado of Fontaines D.C. and the melancholy of The Human League. Recorded by the band at Montreal’s Hotel2Tango, the track was written by keyboardist James Kearns while sick with COVID then taken to a dramatic new level in the studio.

Breeze showcases their versatility with “Have You Ever Suffered,” an exploration of lo-fi beats and electronic post-punk blending into a raw and energetic composition. Korody’s poetic prowess builds with the intensity of the band’s powerful percussion. Seamlessly weaving a tapestry of influences, making “Have You Ever Suffered” a must-have for any well-worn mixtape thriving on groove, grit, and modern angst.

Mark Gardener describes album closer “Heart Attack Waiting To Happen” as a “dancefloor banger” and a personal favorite from the album. The track seamlessly blends acid-house influences, commencing with a modest synth patch and building into a dark electro jam born out of a spontaneous studio session and showcases Breeze’s ability to create a euphoric, high-energy indie-rave experience.

Breeze “Sour Grapes” is nostalgic, bittersweet, and an essential end-of-year offering.