So, let's just say you're a Canadian band with a fair amount of longevity, and a series of albums that have won great critical acclaim but have largely failed to break through commercially; what would your next move be? If you're
the Rheostatics you release a children's album.
The Story of Harmelodia tells the story of Dot and Bug, two children who fall through a hole in the ground into the land of Popopolis, where they learn to play fabulous new instruments while trying to find a way back home to Harmelodia. Since much of
the Rheostatics' previous oeuvre has been twisted, fantastical ditties, the move to a children's album isn't too much of a stretch, which means that adult fans will be pleased to come along for the ride, too. Some songs even count as some of the band's best pop tunes from any album: "I Fab Thee" is a glorious bit of
Bowie-like skronk, and "Invisible Stairs" is a beautiful and gentle guitar number. Linking the songs is narration by Janet Morassutti, reading text written by husband
Dave Bidini. What's better, the album comes bound in a CD-sized hardcover book with the full text and amazing painted illustrations by guitarist Martin Tielli. It's certainly ambitious and unforeseen, but it works surprisingly well, no matter what age you are. ~ Sean Carruthers