Jon Stancer - Are We Not Here For Fun?
What is the difference between the past as one knows it and the future one hopes for? Jon
Stancer’s new full-length Are We Not Here For Fun? prods at questions like this from the
start. While the times we find ourselves in may feel perpetually disorientating, Stancer’s
songs offer space to explore questions, concerns, dissension, and hope. Having said this,
it is very much worthwhile to lend an ear to Stancer’s earnest and carefully arranged pop
songs.
Jon Stancer is part of Canada’s prolific and diverse crowd of singer-songwriters. What sets
Are We Not Here For Fun? apart from many contemporaries is that Stancer's style feels
decidedly British. Before hitting play, the album art nods to Stanley Donwood’s cover art
for Radiohead’s Hail To The Thief. Stancer’s song structure and style lean into Brit pop and
rock as vocals float over strong piano parts, bright synth arpeggios, melodic bass lines,
and subdued beats. Are We Not Here For Fun? pays tasteful homage to the greatness of
Thom Yorke, David Bowie, and early Coldplay.
Are We Not Here For Fun? starts with the heart of the matter by seeking existential
placement and questioning what is happening behind the scenes. Who are we? Where is
here? Is there a meaning to it all besides blissful enjoyment? Rather than “get yourself all
worked up” or “get carried away,” the title track invites us to dance along. The album
progresses towards a sense of being caught between the history and dystopia, like trying
to remember the future. “Don’t Make Me Go Back” and “Hello Sundown” speak to the
uncertain present, being awake but in a dream, and walking forward even if into the night.
Stancer’s single “I Don’t Mind The White Noise” is relatable as anxiety and technology give
way to dissociative frustration; rather than despairing, Stancer builds another melodic
groove that’s hard to ignore.
At this point in the track list it is obvious that with great songwriting and performance,
Stancer’s lyrics are a highlight across the duration of the album. Worries are shared with
wry humour. Heavy feelings are lifted by tactful expression. While Stancer may feel like a
“human question mark,” there is a sarcastic smile in lines like “let’s pat ourselves on the
backs / for not acting like maniacs” (“Like Radio Waves”). The next track warns, “make no
mistake / a loose cannon is sure to go off” (“Loose Cannons”). “Quasi Killer” resists self-
doubt with a shrug and resolve to progress in spite of fear. These ideas feel intimate and
confiding, yet larger political implications loom in the background. The future is always
uncertain, but Stancer seems to find hope by conscientiously moving forward.
As the record progresses towards its end, Stancer explores more questions and silver
linings. “State Of The Union” ironically beckons “onwards and upwards / but with no words
to explain / how we got here.” “With A Little More Luck We Can Get Out Alive” points once
again to the influence of Radiohead, even ending with chaotic vocals a la “Everything In Its
Right Place.” Through its run time, Are We Not Here For Fun? does not vary greatly, but
focusses on the strengths of good songwriting and arrangements.
As the album concludes, we find that the sun set a long time ago, and it is now the early
hours of morning. It may be “2am,” but time passed quickly as Stancer includes the
listener in his sonic and existential wonderings. Given the milieu that Are We Not Here For
Fun? runs within, Jon Stancer has put forth a serious set of songs that are beautifully
recorded and produced. Further, this album covers meaningful themes like mental health
and societal conscientiousness. Are We Not Here For Fun? will grow Stancer’s
appreciative audience as he gives fans much to enjoy and ponder across this new release.