“It’s hard to decide what is the best part of the album Cocoon... the beautifully visual lyrics, soft and melancholic sounds, or the lush, peacefulness of their album’s cover art.”
Ptarmigan is an indie folk band based in Toronto with roots in Peterborough, Ontario.
Ptarmigan released their striking third album “Cocoon” November 19, 2021. Seamlessly weaving together propulsive acoustic elements, rich vocal harmonies, and ethereal, electric textures, the album was produced by Ptarmigan’s own Sam Gleason (Tim Baker, Charlotte Cornfield, The Hidden Cameras) and welcomed the collaboration of outside artists Evan Cartwright (The Weather Station, Andy Shauf), Isa Burke (Lula Wiles), and Robert Alan Mackie (Bella White, Aerialists).
The nine songs on Cocoon are bound together by an exploration of the concept of home, drawing listeners into a rich inner world of science fiction, fantasy, and loss and family hardship. From an alien stranded on a strange but beautiful planet, to stories of modern urban isolation, to the Depression-era Canadian prairies, the album portrays vivid characters within their living and shifting centres. The visceral pull, storytelling and haunting melodies of traditional folk executed with progressive production and experimental flair create a refreshing take on the oft-conservative indie folk genre.
Based in Toronto with roots in Peterborough, Ontario, Ptarmigan found their footing with their folk dreamscape debut Eliak and the Dream. Self-recorded in the band’s then Toronto home, the album follows fantastical themes inspired by high fantasy and youthful wanderings. Ptarmigan’s artistic progression continued with their 2016 self-titled album, working with producer James Burton (Donovan Woods, Evening Hymns, Obijou). Retaining their intricate folk instrumentation, the album introduced indie rock influences of shimmering synth and high fidelity production into the equation. Both albums received airplay on CBC radio, topped !earshot National Folk charts, and have been featured in Exclaim!, CBC Music, and The Bluegrass Situation.
Ptarmigan have brought their folk epics to the stage, playing across the country including Campbell Bay Music Festival (BC) and Shelter Valley Folk Festival (ON). They have accompanied acclaimed Inuit throat-singers IVA and Riit at National Aboriginal Day (Edmonton), The Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa), Harbourfront Centre (Toronto), and Blueskies Music Festival (ON).