The latest single from Canadian band Ontarians is an infectiously catchy song, full of hummable melodies. “Baby’s On a Bike” rolls along with a pulsing rhythm from drummer Chris Johns, steady strumming and warm instrumental textures – making you tap your feet and sing along. There’s a wonderful interlude from keyboardist Jay Stiles, whose keys elevate the song throughout. The highlight is the tuneful interplay of Craig Smith and Frank Deresti, singers and songwriters who possess a great chemistry.
You never know where a song is going to come from. “Baby’s On a Bike” was written when the pair got together to start creating material for the band’s second album and the chorus emerged from a conversation on the beach at Pancake Bay near Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada. It was towards the end of the pandemic, when many were hoping that the enforced isolation might permanently slow the pace of life down a bit. Unfortunately, there were already signs that everyday life was beginning to catch up to its pre-pandemic breakneck sense of urgency amidst the constant distractions of the modern world. The lyrics are certainly tongue-in-cheek, “Baby’s on a bike, bike is on a spaceship, spaceship in the air, we’re making good time,” but there is a real message here about the constant drive for growth and progress. The song offers advice to love well, a simple theme that could make a huge difference if we all took this on board.
The video was directed by Kim Zayac, who says: “Shooting and editing the video for ‘Baby’s On a Bike’ was a fun experience. It’s a killer tune, and I feel honoured to to be able to play a small part in the project. We’re making good time. Indeed.”
The band’s second album, “More How It Is”, is out now. It took a couple of years to put the new songs together as Smith and Deresti became more ambitious. Smith says: “Increasingly so, Ontarians have become very comfortable taking risks both musically and lyrically. The sometimes lush and adventurous arrangements lift the songs to new heights, but the songwriting itself stands on its own.” Deresti adds: “Each song on the record tells its own story, but the album as a whole represents a period of time where the world seemed to offer more questions than answers, and preconceived assumptions were being challenged at every corner. Amidst the somewhat dystopian tone of some of the writing, there is a thread of curious optimism and light-heartedness that has become a calling card for us as a songwriting team. This juxtaposition of darkness and light, disillusionment and lightheartedness, and care and nonchalance is a common thread throughout the album.” Despite the uncertain times in which they were written, these songs will leave you feeling hopeful and uplifted. Enjoy.
