The Dears

Led by the enigmatic Murray Lightburn, the Dears are a loose collective of Montreal-area musicians formed in 1995. Their approach has evolved from orchestral-style pop to a more intimate chamber pop sound and then into a more compact but melodically sophisticated indie pop style, all featuring cabaret-style vocals and a dour lyrical mindset reflecting the influence of Serge Gainsbourg, one of Lightburn's avowed favorites. While keyboard player Natalia Yanchak (who is also Lightburn's spouse) has been working with the Dears since 1998, the remaining lineup has been something of...