Hush Hush

The duo of vocalists Keri Steel and Nina Loretto were originally attending the same high school in Vankleek Hill, a tiny suburb outside Ottawa, Ontario. In 1992, the two realized their vocals melded perfectly for each other and from there decided music was their vocation. That same year, they formed Imaginary Heaven, an ethereal and ambient pop experience best described by some critics as the “twin Enyas.” The group released their debut album in 1994, titled Distant Is My Weather. Touring followed, as well as auditions for Lilith Fair and the obligatory touring schedule throughout Canada and beyond. Their music was also popular in Japan and Europe. In 1996, the group returned with Dressed in Gentler Days, which was followed up in 1998 with Christmas Comes in Darkness. Wanting to branch out and be the antithesis of their other group, the band formed Hush Hush, which is more of a loop and pop-based arrangement. The group released their debut song on a Popguru Sound compilation and then released Cinematheque, the group’s debut album. The album, produced by Ken Harrison of Wild Strawberries, features a cover of “God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson. ~ Jason MacNeil