Emerging from the vibrant Montreal indie scene of the early 2010s (the same scene that and era that gave us greats like Mac DeMarco and Grimes), TOPS were formed out of the dissolution of synthpop group Silly Kissers, of which vocalist Jane Penny and guitarist David Carriere (as well as former bassist Thom Gillies) were members (TOPS is rounded out by drummer Riley Fleck, with keyboard player Marta Cikojevic joining a few years later). The group spent the 2010s becoming a lauded staple of that decade’s flourishing indie scene, releasing three albums- 2012 debut Tender Opposites, 2014’s Picture You Staring, and 2017’s Sugar at the Gate– through Arbutus Records, lighting up the blogosphere and honing a unique sound, which explores everything from indie pop to soft rock, dream pop to classic R&B, all with a timeless and straightforward approach that never made them sound too of-the-moment like many of their 2010s indie peers.
The group independently released dreamy fourth album I Feel Alive in 2020, but touring plans were halted due to the pandemic, and by the time normalcy resumed, they had crafted a new EP, 2022’s Empty Seats. Now signed to Ghostly International, and following solo works from both Penny and Cikojevic, TOPS released their long-awaited fifth album Bury the Key back in August, marking their boldest, most sonically-distinct work to date. Both embracing their long-running pop sensibility while also exploring new disco-infused edge, the record is much more conceptual, exploring a range of dark and complicated themes, largely anchored through fictional characters. In support of their latest, TOPS return to Nashville for what appears to be their first local headliner since pre-pandemic, Oct. 9 at Exit/In with dream pop outfit Starcleaner Reunion. Tickets are still available here, but we’re excited to announce that we’re also giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky fan! Preview the lineup and enter below.
ENTER
LISTEN
More from TOPS | Site | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Bluesky | X | Facebook
TOPS and Starcleaner Reunion will perform Thursday, Oct. 9 at Exit/In. The show is 18+ begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available for $34.53.