The self-titled debut on Whitewhale Records introduced O’Connell’s fresh collection of prose-induced, 60′s soul inspired, lo-fi pop songs soon to be characterized as “epitomizing the boldness of the new Canadian sound.” Much of the attention came from the underground hit “Inside the Cinema” — an understated anthem that revealed a taste for early Modest Mouse as much as for the syncopation of Afro-Cuban ensembles.After extensive touring throughout the US, Europe and Canada with festivals ranging from Hillside, New York’s CMW, POP Montreal to Reykjavik’s Iceland Airwaves, Culture Reject caught the attention of French vinyl label, Specific Recordings. That relationship culminated into the latest release Forces. This 6 track EP (digital available on iTunes) evolves out of the compelling experimentation of the debut but explores darker tones enveloped in rich harmonies, heavier guitars, intricate percussion, trumpets and generally, more sophisticated production. But Culture Reject’s signature play with melody and rhythm is still alive and well on Forces. O’Connell has also added singer and bassist Carlie Howell (Os Tropes) and continues to work with the prominently haunting voice of Karri North.

The band spent time at 6 Nassau Studios in Kensington Market in the summer of 2012 with engineer/mixer James Anderson (The Burning Hell, Great Lake Swimmers) hammering out bed tracks and vocals. From there, O’Connell packed a small car with analog synths, guitars, amps and drums to a quiet cabin near Killbear Park in the fall. There, he was able to outfit the recordings with the small details that similarly made Culture Reject’s debut a unique audio experience. Mastered at the House of Miracles (Jim Guthrie, The Constantines), Forces is a record that Michael likes to consider…. “a teaser before the big boom that drops in 2014″.