Clues

In Montreal during 2007, Canadian indie pop outfit Clues originated around the abilities of Alden Penner—known alternatively as Alden Ginger from the Unicorns—and Brendan Reed of Arcade Fire. Penner's robust songwriting, combined with the 2008 arrival of additional Montreal musicians Ben Borden, Lisa Gamble, and Nick Scribner, allowed the group to develop its form both live and in recordings, utilizing an expansive set of tools that encompassed conventional drums along with guitar and bass, as well as horns, novel percussion, saw, pianette, and various discarded electronics, all in service of their jittery and inventive indie rock approach. On the Constellation label, the band's initial album bearing its own name came out in 2009.