Illustration by Fiona Smyth
Here's what some nice people had to say about the Saffrons..
INDYISH.COM
"...I am now telling you that Toronto’s Saffron Sect is the best band in Canada… or at least the most relevant… or at the very least the most important.
When I saw them on Saturday night at Casa they played as a four piece and opened with a Renaissance song that featured instruments like autoharp and the kortholt. With the miracle of instrument switching we got to hear mandolins, acoustic guitar, sitar, flute, violin and more. Ok, you’re thinking I’m praising a band for its novelty but what they do in the space of one set is make connections between 800 years of music while making it immediate and meaningful: the renaissance, celtic folk music, indian influenced 60s psych, and indie freak folk are all presented seamlessly with each genre melting into the next with no apparent break.
...this is the rare indie band that exists because they have something to say, something to sing, something to share. This is a band to remind you why you like music."
TIME-LAG RECORDS
"Top notch Sun-baked folk psych goodness...ultra fried but super catchy little songs...all sunglasses, acid and lavender"
PTOLEMAIC TERRASCOPE MAGAZINE
"The fragrantly named Saffron Sect were formed last year by Gaven Dianda, an aficionado of early music and an ex-member of Thee Gnostics and power poppers The Flashing Lights. This straynge Canadian quartet have shared gigs with The Gris Gris, Josephine Foster and Simply Saucer-meister Edgar Breau and on this, their debut EP, their part psych/part “medieval” standpoint (imagine a 3-button mohair set off by paisley pantaloons) pitches instruments of the renaissance like the Crumhorn (shades of Gryphon), recorders, mandolins and dulcimers with some Floydian organ, unobtrusive drummage and the occasional electric guitar lick. Gaven’s writing style is a meeting point of the poetic, the mysterioso and the dusty obscurist, which is perfectly embodied in the rather fine title cut with sitar lines well to the fore. A striking mix of classic period Incredible String Band emerges within a garage/psych framework. “When you go to the seaside, watch out for the undertow” warns Gaven in a public information film-influenced moment. ‘Clink Clink’ changes tack somewhat and is a brief hoedowned tug’o’war between occidental and oriental atmospheres. ‘Aquamarine Ink’ surely traces its origins back to a certain chateau in Virginia Waters. The Bolan-esque strummed acoustic and the Took-ey percussives make this tale of a “magical lady’s” favourite tipple the obvious pick of this six-string bunch. ‘Wilds of the North’ certainly runs it close. It’s a haunting ‘Trad. Arr.’ number which appears to have its roots in (U.S.) Kaleidoscope circa ‘Beacon from Mars’, although I doubt that Messrs. Feldthouse, Crill et al could cope with the more unforgiving temperatures that this chilly tale generates. Phosphorous Flash is an infuriatingly brief little teaser that leaves you wanting for more. Extra hurrahs and caps thrown into the air go to the CD label design which matches the exact shade of pink that Island Records used to employ in its corporate livery – a certainly more iconic look (as collectors will agree) than the solitary palm tree that replaced it. (Steve Pescott)"
TERRASCOPE REVIEW Click HERE (article link)
NOW MAGAZINE (FEATURE ARTICLE) July 16, 2006
NOW MAGAZINE ARTICLE Click HERE (article link)
MONTREAL MIRROR (FEATURE ARTICLE) July 16, 2006
MIRROR ARTICLE Click HERE (article link)
EYE MAGAZINE
"When the world is running down, medievalists make the best of what's still around -- which apparently is an attic full of recorders, sitar, dulcimer, gongs, glocken-"shpiel" and finger cymbals. This appealing mix of lo-fi hobbit-folk and self-described "jugband raga" suffers only from frustrating brevity -- though unlike many of their freak-folk brethren, the Saffrons are smart enough to leave you wanting more. This limited run of Phosporous Flash comes to us courtesy Gaven Dianda (of The Flashing Lights and The Gnostics), who not only exercises great sitar-restraint, but teases mercilessly with two-minute tracks that promise greater things. Even the creaky tape machines this was recorded on contribute to that sense of having unearthed a lost treasure -- like discovering your mom's hidden stoner records tucked behind ABBA and The Troggs. Here's to the Saffron Sect fulfilling its freaky majesty with a full-length that doesn't sound like it was recorded under a bed. Devendra-ites get ready: your new favourite freaks are from Hamilton. THREE STARS. HS"
Click HERE (article link)
POP MONTREAL programme
"...this foursome from Toronto does whimsical psychedelic folk better than almost anyone since the late 60’s. And I defy you to find a more vital use of the crumhorn or the dulcimer on any record released this year!"
Click HERE (programme link)
EXCLAIM MAGAZINE REVIEW (August Issue 2006)
The Saffron Sect "Phosphorous Flash" (2006 Fig Records) "Toronto's Saffron Sect comes a-lilting through the outer recesses of your mind with psychedelic folk and pop melodies dripping like the sweetest candy and whimsically disorienting flourishes a-gushing with flashes of enlightenment. Reminiscent of the golden psych era of the mid-to-late 60's, this four peice (led by Gaven Dianda, previously a member of power-poppers The Flashing LIghts and cult favourites Thee Gnostics) draw a little more from the British side of the psychedelic spectrum, with moments here and echoes there recalling Syd Barrett's days with the Pink Floyd, Donovan's afternoons hosting love-in's in the sun, and The Pentangle 's nights spent worshipping medieval gods and spirits of nature. The band's debut EP, Phosphorous Flash comes to you as an edition of 500 hand silk screened daddies, and within it's golden inks are one brief, swelling introduction and five cheerfully inspired songs that will be sure to leave you wanting another dose of mystic fancy. The Saffron Sect specialize in masterfully filling out their sound and visions with instruments as diverse the crumhorn, jigs, mandolin, dulcimer, recorders, and even some gong. Light trips of fancy for the slightly skewed reality orbiting us all. ....Kevin Hainey"
PSYCHEDELIC FOLK HOMESTEAD
"This EP is beautiful '60 folkpsych like I prefer to hear it. No neo style here. With "All Leads Back To You" they sound like a group that would have fitted perfectly live with Pink Floyd in 1968. Also the song "Clink Clink" with happy sitar and hand percussion has some Floydian touch in the slide-guitar. The other more acoustic sitar and handpercussion song, "Phosphorous Flash" is more psychfolk styled, bringing another, newer group in mind like Feathers. This is really nice ! Can't wait for the full release....Gerald Van Waes"
Click HERE (article link)
FOXY DIGITALIS
RATING: 9 out of 10
"Katie Iarocci’s lovely flute flourish beckons us down “Withywindle Way,” which opens the debut 6-song EP from these Toronto wyrdfolkers. “All Leads Back To You” is a cotton-mouthed, jolly jig through the woods, following sprites and faeries and a merry Pied Piper. It’s all lovely innocence, like Donovan crossed with Syd Barrett. Leader Gaven Dianda sprinkles more fairy dust over the title track, which features his snappy sitar backing, resulting in a lovely stroll through the Perfumed Garden in the fine tradition of German husband/wife duo, Fit & Limo. Dianda brings his sitar out again for “Clink Clink,” which combines Iarocci’s dulcimer and glockenspiel with Matthew MacLaren’s mandolin and jug and merrily dances through the streets like The Fool and Incredible String Band crossed with 13th Floor Elevators. A lovelier, more upbeat instrumental diversion you may not hear again this year! “Aquamarine Ink” is faster and funkier than the other tracks, and although it may be too obsessed with Marc Bolan and Tyrannosaurus Rex for its own good, it’s a fun listen nevertheless. Dianda’s compressed vocals give closer “Wilds of the North” a Timothy Renner/Stone Breath vibe, although fans of other wyrdfolk acts like In Gowan Ring and Nick Castro will find the track equally enjoyable. This album-teasing EP is limited to 500 copies and contains exclusive B-sides/non-album tracks, so act quickly before they all disappear! It’s an exciting new release (Fig’s first actually) that warrants further investigation and hopefully that full length won’t be too far behind. - Jeff Penczak"
Click HERE (article link)
POP JUNKIE REVIEW"Jesus Christ! The spirit of acid folk (circa 1967) is alive an well all over the world! Over in Blighty, we've got the amazing John Stammers and Nancy Cunliffe, in the US, the incredible Arborea and now, Canada's magnificent folkers, The Saffron Sect.
'All Leads Back' harks back to when Marc Bolan wasn't a glitter-pixie in crap boots, as well as touching on the wonderful thrums of American folkies like Fred Neil.
Wonderfully psychedelic is the marvellous tent-fug of 'Phosphorous Flash', that sounds like Brit freakbeat crashing headlong into the Incredible String Band. Sitars, blocks, guitar, phased effects... and a raiding of the toybox... this is a rich genuine sound that deserves to be heard by anyone with even the slightest interest in sixties music. 'Withywindle Way' is more pastoral, and sounds like it's been produced by Circulus.
Basically, this is a brilliant band doing incredible things. You need them in your life before they drift of into the ether. Perfect! ....Moff Gimmers"
Click HERE! (review link)
ECLECTIC SOUND BASEMENT (Radio Show Site)"Describing themselves as "modieval music" for dwellers of the "twilight parlour", the Sect might just be the spark to bring out Toronto's brewing psych scene. They have released their first EP, Phosphorous Flash, and it's so beautifully self-produced, one wonders why more music like this can't be made more often. ...It's available at Fig Records, and it's the first release on the label, but it wouldn't be a surprise if her endeavour reaches, or even surpasses levels concurrent with the likes of Paper Bag or the defunkt Three Gut. Tune in to ESB this Friday to hear the EP in its entireity. It will hit you salvia...you'll turn it on, fall right in, and then realize the whole crazy trip only lasted for about 13 minutes!"
Click HERE! (article link)
MONTREAL MIRROR
Saffron Sect "Phosphorous Flash" (Fig)
“Modieval” is one of the cheeky descriptors dotting the bio of this Toronto-based quartet, formed by ex-Flashing Lights organist Gaven Dianda. What it means is, along with your guitars, drums and organ, the band’s debut EP features sitar, jug, gong, dulcimer, mandolin and crumhorn. Saffron Sect spans space as well as time, gracefully blending Asian and North American traditions. It’s a lovely package deal for the worldly renaissance hippie, a six-track, 13-minute traipse through an exotic, psychedelic landscape, with flute-playing elves frolicking at knee level. 7.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
Click HERE (article link)
RAVEN SINGS THE BLUES
Click HERE! (article link)
E-MOLE (Bruce Mowat /Mole Machine etc.)
"Saffron Sect - ("Phosphorus Flash" EP on the Fig label) Ex-Thee Gnostic Gaven Dianda and Ex-Flamingo-go, Wylde Swanda, along with a coupla other mooks get their brightly coloured tights on and dance around a maypole. When they use electricity, though, they remind me of Tyrannosaurus Rex...E-Mole"
PANPOT REVIEW
Click HERE (reviewlink)
INDIA TODAY
"But I was always skeptical of the "maharishi" types, if you know what I mean. Due to the plethora of self-anointed "babas" in the country and their notorious antics, I've held this kind of saffron sect in distrust.......R.Sridharan (India-Today) "
OUTLOOK INDIA
"In a democratic country like India,which has a fully functional Law,order&Judicial system, how can a few sects take the law under their own hands and demolish a 400 year old civil structure? What for the civil courts in India meant for? Babri Masjid demolition is one of the public crimes done by a mass in the recent recorded history of India. Aren't you a law-abiding person? What is all that tolerance we talk about? Why you resort to this kind of terrorist talks, like the Saffron Sect* who did rape,murder,torching & demolition?"
* I can assure you good people that our own sweet saffron sect had nothing to do with these afforementioned (unmentionable) acts, allthough the prospect of demolishing a 400 old civil structure does sound exciting...
Thank You all for the Reviews...
Zoomingly,
Clovis
