Just Amsterdam - Taller Than Houses

​Just Amsterdam

Taller Than Houses
self-released; 2025

​​​By ​Dino DiMuro​​​

It's sad that nowadays artists feel the need to proclaim their music has zero AI (I've considered saying so myself) but honestly, these guys are 100% in the clear! This is the kind of raw, homegrown music that pundits predict we'll be heading back toward as a reaction to the glut of AI slop. The band is Canada's Taller Than Houses and the album is titled Just Amsterdam. 

The band was formed at Mohawk College's music program and has since grown to become a well-known presence in the Hamilton, Canada underground scene. Their music is totally DIY and shows influences of emo, punk and jazz, with healthy doses of political activism. The members are Randy Wu (jangly and acoustic guitar/co-lead vocals), Cara McKay (bass/co-lead vocals), Christopher Walker (moody guitar/occasional lead vocals) and 
Wax Jastal (drums/backing vocals).

Like their previous album, these tracks were recorded "in the same basement, with the same eight inputs, using Logic Pro with the same ol' Macbook." However the band feels they've progressed significantly with proper monitors, refined mic placement techniques and a better understanding of sound. They're quite proud of the sonic result ("second attempt, double the quality!"), and the album is available on CD and also "pay what you like" download.

The title of the first track "Persephone" refers to the Greek goddess of spring, vegetation and the underworld. It starts with the sounds of a busy city, which cut off abruptly with the close of a car door. The song itself suggests reggae as recorded by Daniel Johnston, while the lead vocal has a similar quality to retro-crooner Matte Martin (reviewed here in June 2025). The track has an easygoing vibe that totally moves on its own wavelength: not only is there no AI, I don't think there's even a click track! The backing vocals are closer to callouts than singing, but they work. 

"I, Like a Metronome, Swing Both Ways" has a funny title and rocks a bit faster with a total alternative vibe like Dinosaur Jr. It's a disarmingly clean track with sincere but also amusing vocals. Cara McKay (bass) and Chris Walker (drums) have a few fun moments of quick interacting. Like most everything else, the drum set is recorded beautifully. "Nazi America" could be part two of the previous track, with similar chords and arrangement. The chorus gets a little heated, with the abandon of the Clash (which totally makes sense, given the topic). This one's also got a classic fuzz guitar solo that really puts the button on the track. 

Following the punk theme, we have "I'll Kiss You in the Mosh Pit" which is a Billie Joe-style acoustic excursion and a surprisingly beautiful love song. Running almost seven minutes, the gang take the opportunity to crank up the speed and volume toward the end. A perfect song to get your live audience on their feet! "Miss Caroline" has a cool muted bass tone (like it was filtered through someone's nose) and jangly electric guitars that verge on country (or the Neil Young version of country). I love when a song creates chords from note fragments instead of playing every string at once, though the bass is the secret star of this one.

"Faster Than the Rain" has a dark vibe suspiciously close to Jim Morrison and the Doors (including "Riders On The Storm" tremolo guitar). I admit I was a little cool on this track until it kicked into high gear. Now I like it! "526 (I'll Call You Later)" is a jazzy rocker playing what I think are 7th chords with vocals similar to track one. The sophistication of this track surprised me because it almost sounds improvised, yet reveals several levels of structure over its six minutes.

There's nine songs total and I missed a couple (including a final 10-minute rave-up) but the quality never seems to flag throughout. DIY for sure, but at the highest level. Loved it!

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justamsterdam.bandcamp.com/album/taller-than-houses

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