I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. Did you know that before his passing, Michael Jackson kept a recording studio and engineer on call 24 hours a day in case he woke up with an idea for a song? He believed that if he didn't get his ideas recorded right away, God would give them to Prince instead.

And speaking of good uses of recording time, I've been listening a lot lately to the new self-titled EP from The Archives, a group out of Toronto. Recently named the Coffee Shop Project's Artist of the Month for November, The Archives' EP has been featured on download cards available in independent cafés in Toronto.

The road to here has been a bit rocky for the young band; formed by Anthony Menecola (bass, vocals) and Crispin Day (guitars) in 2009, the band released its debut EP Hail Caesar but couldn't cement the lineup until more recently when Kevin White (drums) and Will Gooch (guitars) came on board.

Armed with a new brotherhood and inflated by a sense of chemistry, the band made its lineup debut with a packed set at Toronto's Silver Dollar with a performance described as blistering and energetic. Now, a short ways into the future, The Archives have returned with a new self-titled EP, one full of power and potential.

From the moment the record begins with "Home", a real sense of familiarity is struck between the band and listener. The garage-fused crunch of the guitars add a sense of shimmer and energy to the track, which eerily compels you to sing along even before you know the words. That energy is maintained as "Two Far Gone" begins, shifting dynamics with ease as they smoke in the sort of '90s alternative flavour that made Limblifter so near and dear to us all.

It's never fair to say that any band sounds like any other, but The Archives are able to change sonic direction so smoothly that it sounds like listening to an album by the Foo Fighters — from the subtle, textured "The City" with its effortless choruses to the sharp "Tiger Hugs" closing the record, The Archives have produced a remarkable work of music and are definitely worthy of their place on the radar.

It's always exciting to take in a band that is still actively and furiously writing its history; The Archives have the charisma and chops necessary to make a big impression on our music scene and beyond, so watch them for exciting developments as the new year rolls along.

Luckily, you needn't take my word for it — The Archives are stopping into APK Live at 340 Wellington Rd. on November 17 with Waterbodies and Truence to make their latest mark here on London audiences. Admission is $5 and doors on this 19-plus event open at 9 p.m.

For more information on The Archives and their new EP, visit them online at insidethearchives.com or by following them on Twitter @thearchivesband. You can hear a couple of their new songs on their MySpace and Facebook profiles, but pick up their full EP at your first opportunity — which could be as a free download if you visit an independent café in Toronto this month — more details at csp.audioblood.com.

And for more of the latest music news, views and streams, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms or on Tumblr at bobbyisms.com. If like me you're always looking for new sounds and bands, consider also checking out the Music Recommendations thread in our FSU social network. Enjoy the new sounds, I'm out of words.