Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies

OLIVIA & THE CREEPY CRAWLIES – Charley – (indie) – MAPL
Based: London
Genre: Alternative roots/rock
The Lowdown: This is the band’s debut EP.
Release Date: February 2014
More on the Story: Led by singer/songwriter and ukulele strummer Olivia Borkosky, the group is made up mainly of students from the Fanshawe
Music Industry Arts program. After CHARLEY’s release earlier this year, they embarked on a ten-city tour of southern Ontario. One well known musician who has raved about this dynamic act is Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness.
Pick Tracks (in order): “If Only”, “The Mad King”, “Your Mom”
Weblink: https://oliviaandthecreepycrawlies.bandcamp.com/album/charley - Mark Rheaume, CBC Music Library

London, Ontario’s resident indie band, Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies, have released their 4 song debut EP, “Charley”. Overall, the album carries an upbeat indie/pop vibe with tones that will bring you back to the beach parties of your youth. Lead vocalist Olivia Borkosky is a classically trained vocalist with probably the most pure, happy voice you will ever hear in your entire life. Luckily enough though, she’s not the kind of happy that makes you want to throw up…more of a pleasant “music to my ears” kind of happy.

Let’s go through the album track-by-track, shall we?

The Mad King
Although I’m not entirely sure where the title of this song comes from, I have to admit I really like it. Overall, I think this song is my favourite off the album with its beachy vibe, quirky lyrics and “indie-dance” style. Also, something that isn’t featured on any of the other tracks is a harmonica that kind of makes you feel like you’re singing around a camp fire…and who doesn’t love that?!

Long Forgotten Friend
This song is the only one on the EP (as far as I know) that has a video to go along with it. The YouTube video is embedded below so you can watch for yourself.

Honestly, this track really surprised me because it starts off so slow and almost moody, but once it picks up it hits you in the face like any good indie-uke song does. Overall, a very catchy, rock-ish song.



If Only
This song starts off by tricking you into thinking you’re listening to some great vinyl from the 1940s. SURPRISE! Not quite. This swing-inspired tune contains some of the best underlying bass vocals that I have ever heard in my short lifetime. They definitely add an awesome layer to this otherwise very mellow love-ish song.

Your Mom
Finally, a cheeky ukulele song! In my opinion, this track really depicts everything this band is about. It’s pretty much the definition of “quirky” with its clever lyrics, cheeky chorus and beautiful harmonies. This is also the only song on the album that didn’t remind me of a love song at all. Now let me ask you… Would you kiss YOUR mother with that mouth?

If you want to purchase the album or take a listen for yourselves you can find it at http://oliviaandthecreepycrawlies.bandcamp.com/album/charley.

I personally loved it overall… but I’ll let you decide for yourself. - Kelsi Smirlies

One of the best live performances I’ve seen in a while goes to London,ON’s indie folk/pop band Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies. Lead by frontwoman Olivia Borkosky, her upbeat songs and catchy melodies make them stand out among the rest. They have just come off of their first Canadian tour together and released a 4 song EP, Charley. Put on your party pants and go see Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies! They are so fantastic!

Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter. - Sea Legs Collective, Rae Corcoran