Toronto-based duo Ducks Ltd. close out the year with their new track, ‘Grim Symmetry’. Known for their signature indie pop sound, the band continues to carve out their niche in the modern indie scene. ‘Grim Symmetry’ bridges the duo’s earlier work, particularly the Modern Fiction EP, and the more polished production of their recent album Harm’s Way.
Originally a demo from the Modern Fiction sessions, ‘Grim Symmetry’ has been refined with the help of producer Dave Vettriano while featuring backing vocals from Julia Steiner of Ratboys. Despite its origins in the band’s self-produced phase, the track now boasts a cleaner, more polished sound without losing the charm of their earlier DIY efforts.
Musically, ‘Grim Symmetry’ features dreamy guitars and reverberating textures that draw comparisons to Johnny Marr and The Smiths. However, the track is far from a throwback. While it nods to the melancholic tones of 80s indie, it carries a modern sheen, making it more accessible and pop-forward. Its bright, shimmering production wouldn’t feel out of place streaming from a teenager’s phone today, blending nostalgia with the modern day.
For long-time Ducks Ltd. fans, ‘Grim Symmetry’ will feel familiar yet fresh—a reminder of the band’s roots, with an added layer of refinement. New listeners will also find this track a great entry point into the duo’s world, especially those curious about the current indie scene. As we transition from summer to autumn, this song offers the perfect soundtrack, capturing the wistfulness of the season while ushering in a crisp, airy indie pop vibe that Ducks Ltd. so expertly delivers.
‘Grim Symmetry’ with its lucid airy sound showcases the duo’s evolution from bedroom recording to studio musicians. It looks to the future while nodding to the past.
Words by Jack Dennison-Thompson
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