Toronto’s No Frills reflect on codependence, connection, and identity on their infectiously catchy new single “Copy Cat,” a buoyant and angular indie rock song that’ll leave listeners in a sweet daze, eager for more.
for fans of The Virgins, Tennis
Stream: “Copy Cat” – No Frills
They say that imitation is the sweetest form of flattery, but everything has a limit – and on their latest single, Toronto’s No Frills explore what happens when you take mimicry and emulation a little too far. The group reflect on codependence, connection, and identity on their infectiously catchy new single “Copy Cat,” a buoyant and angular indie rock song that’ll leave listeners in a sweet daze, eager for more.
same talents, same pallets
we go together so easily
i’ll give it, i’ll live it
whatever you wanna do
don’t stray too far from our
progress, can’t you
think back? relax? guess that’s our
best, still
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering “Copy Cat,” the latest single taken from No Frills’ forthcoming debut album, Downward Dog (duo out April 1, 2022). The Toronto, Ontario-based four-piece of Matt Buckberrough (guitar), Jon Pappo (drums), Daniel Busheikin (guitar, vocals), and Maddy Wilde (vocals, synth), No Frills formed as Busheikin’s bedroom pop outlet in 2018 and has since grown into a beautiful DIY project full of palpable emotion, cool colors, fun textures, and good substance.
With a bit of “slacker rock” and “bummer pop” energy about them, No Frills are the no-f***s band you want to have in your life.
After releasing the songs “Ice Cream Cone,” “Drip,” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Dog Anymore” last year, No Frills’ latest offering is a moody, alluringly introspective offering. Written and sung by Maddy Wilde (instead of Busheikin, who took lead on the first three releases), “Copy Cat” employs lightly effected guitars and a bouncy beat, all of which perfectly complement Wilde’s softly sweet vocals. Everything comes to a head at an emphatic, radiant chorus:
everything i do i’ll do exactly
like you do
i’ll be cut in two
you’ll put us both back together
throw the other half out the window
i’ll be ok without it
standing right behind you
“On the surface, these lyrics tell the story of someone fixated on a specific way of being they think is embodied in someone they idolize,” Wilde explains. “To copy them and absorb them is the plan. But it’s also about codependency; getting someone close to you to sort of shape and define who you are. Trusting every one of their opinions to the extent that you lose sight of what you actually want.”
sit with it, stir in it
we’ll make a movie, i’ll play your part
it’s easy, can you see it?
getting closer all the time
don’t take too long, what’s wrong? tell me
i’ll be just like last time you
tried but i’ll get it right
“Copy Cat” is a darling addition to any indie rock aficionado’s playlist, not to mention a fun way to start the year off just right. With an equally compelling (and brightly technicolor) music video that captures the lyrics’ message through a vivid psychedelic lens, No Frills’ latest offering is as fun to watch as it is to listen to: A warm wash of groovy, charming indie rock ready to light up our minds. Stream “Copy Cat” exclusively on Atwood Magazine!
— —
:: stream/purchase No Frills here ::
Stream: “Copy Cat” – No Frills
— — — —
Connect to No Frills on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
? © Andrew McGill
:: Stream No Frills ::
