INTERVIEW: ELLIOTT BROOD (TORONTO)
Toronto power-folk trio Elliott Brood return with 4th LP Days Into Years: an introspective historical concept album breathing musical life into Canadian monuments found in European cities. Lead vocalist Mark Sasso shares his thoughts on recording in old army barracks, keeping his sweet voice fresh
REVIEW: FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS – PICKIN’ UP THE PIECES (2010)
2011 was the year of 2010. Coincidentally 2010 was apparently the year of the 1960s. But even then it took a year for people to start catching on to the ’60s sounds of Fitz and the Tantrums. In August, when Annie and I caught Fitz and the Tantrums at the inaugural edition of Ro
Review: Cursive – I Am Gemini (2012)
Heavy. I Am Gemini is a chunky record for Cursive in terms of sound and content behind the concept of Cassius and Pollock, two twins reunited and the ensuing infernal consequences. Written sequentially, track after track, the latest album trumps Mama, I’m Swollen and Happy
REVIEW: A LULL – CONFETTI (2011)
Imagine hearing a new band for the first time, becoming glued to the sheer visual experience before your eyes that complements the sonic vibrations rattling away in your ears like the myriad of percussion (no cymbals) on the stage. Add to it, you’re not in the venue but standing behind the band, u
INTERVIEW: CUFF THE DUKE (OSHAWA, ONTARIO)
A lot of people are put off by the country music label but not many are put off by Cuff the Duke. Ten years after their debut release Life Stories For Minimum Wage, their new Juno (Canadian Grammys) award-nominated album Morning Comes marks a return to an indie label an
REVIEW: YOUNG MAGIC – MELT (2012)
After four single releases in 2011, Brooklyn based Young Magic is ready to release their first LP Melt on February 14th via Carpark Records. The album includes seven new tracks meshed with the four previously released singles, making a uniquely cohesive sounding collection. The songs were
REVIEW: BUSDRIVER – BEAUS$EROS (2012)
Way back before fall of 2003, I couldn’t be caught dead listening to rap or anything resembling a beat with words put to it. What was the point of it? Musically, there was no technical skill to it in comparison to other music. No battles to try and top your own prowess on a guitar, […]
Review: Bon Iver – Bon Iver (2011)
A few months ago, I made a promise: I would listen to Bon Iver’s self-titled album as it was “meant to be heard,” stoned and surrounded by good friends. I take drunken deals unusually seriously, so when the album came out, I held out on listening until the afternoon where all the proper f