Thursday, March 11, 2010
Swing an EP in my jeep:: Dark Mean and Dave Norris & Local Ivan
A few EPs have been occupying my time lately and there are only so many hours in the day in which I can write about music. Rather than offering up a few lines to each in truncated posts spread out over the week, I decided to go all Uncle L and deliver and ep of (free) EPs.
Dark Mean - Music Box EP
Last year, this Hamilton band came out of nowhere with one of my favorite EPs of the year. Frankencottage was a crazy fusion of banjo, electronics and tempo that made it impossible to sit still whenever songs like Happy Banjo or the title track came on my iPod.
This time around, the band is using the same elements but experimenting with a darker, denser sound. The title of the closing track (Dark Banjo) is probably a give away of the emotional state they now reside in, but when you listen to the four songs on this EP you can't help but think the band has grown up emotionally in the last year. The songs don't run with the recklessness and freedom of youth; no the horns and piano, group vocals and restraint travel with the songs like the weight of heartache.
The arrangements are more intricate, and as a result, less immediate. The banjo that danced in and around the electronics and heavy kick drums now meshes with more sombre tones. Instead of chair dancing whimsy, Music Box finds the band testing their limits. The country-fused Acoustic and orchestral melodrama of Piano & Beat will shock fans of their last record, and honestly, this EP is one that will probably take time to grow on you.
That's not to say the songs don't stack up to their previous efforts; Dark Mean is just coming from a different place this time around. The smiles and darting electronics bouncing around your headphones have been replaced by sadness, but, as we all know, life isn't smiles and sunshine and music shouldn't be either.
Dave Norris & Local Ivan - No Scuttle
Admittedly, I'm new to Dave Norris and his musical endeavors but the Ottawa native strides forward with a confidence all too often lacking in today's music scene. In ten-minutes, he gives you four songs that grab you on first note and show how much potential Dave's new set-up has to offer.
The flowing melody the band delivers on Whatever's Wrong With Heather is a terrific hook (rim-shot please!) to kickoff the EP and the percussion and synths that bulk up the catchy Look Out! show how crucial the support from Local Ivan is to the results, but it's Dave's voice that holds everything together and moving forward. The change of pace and gradual build of Jack Nicholson shows the control the band has over their sound and the use of electronics, strings and warbled synths on No Scuttle probably shouldn't fit in with the other three songs on the EP, but it's just a rewarding as any other song.
Four songs and ten minutes is not long enough to really gauge how Norris & Local Ivan will work together as a full course meal, but as an amuse bouche, No Scuttle should get music fans salivating accordingly.
Last year, this Hamilton band came out of nowhere with one of my favorite EPs of the year. Frankencottage was a crazy fusion of banjo, electronics and tempo that made it impossible to sit still whenever songs like Happy Banjo or the title track came on my iPod.
This time around, the band is using the same elements but experimenting with a darker, denser sound. The title of the closing track (Dark Banjo) is probably a give away of the emotional state they now reside in, but when you listen to the four songs on this EP you can't help but think the band has grown up emotionally in the last year. The songs don't run with the recklessness and freedom of youth; no the horns and piano, group vocals and restraint travel with the songs like the weight of heartache.
The arrangements are more intricate, and as a result, less immediate. The banjo that danced in and around the electronics and heavy kick drums now meshes with more sombre tones. Instead of chair dancing whimsy, Music Box finds the band testing their limits. The country-fused Acoustic and orchestral melodrama of Piano & Beat will shock fans of their last record, and honestly, this EP is one that will probably take time to grow on you.
That's not to say the songs don't stack up to their previous efforts; Dark Mean is just coming from a different place this time around. The smiles and darting electronics bouncing around your headphones have been replaced by sadness, but, as we all know, life isn't smiles and sunshine and music shouldn't be either.
MP3:: Dark Mean - Piano & Beat
WEB:: http://www.darkmean.com/
D/L:: http://darkmean.bandcamp.com/album/music-box-ep-2010
Admittedly, I'm new to Dave Norris and his musical endeavors but the Ottawa native strides forward with a confidence all too often lacking in today's music scene. In ten-minutes, he gives you four songs that grab you on first note and show how much potential Dave's new set-up has to offer.
The flowing melody the band delivers on Whatever's Wrong With Heather is a terrific hook (rim-shot please!) to kickoff the EP and the percussion and synths that bulk up the catchy Look Out! show how crucial the support from Local Ivan is to the results, but it's Dave's voice that holds everything together and moving forward. The change of pace and gradual build of Jack Nicholson shows the control the band has over their sound and the use of electronics, strings and warbled synths on No Scuttle probably shouldn't fit in with the other three songs on the EP, but it's just a rewarding as any other song.
Four songs and ten minutes is not long enough to really gauge how Norris & Local Ivan will work together as a full course meal, but as an amuse bouche, No Scuttle should get music fans salivating accordingly.
MP3:: Dave Norris & Local Ivan - Look Out!
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/davenorrislocalivan
D/L:: http://davenorrislocalivan.bandcamp.com/album/no-scuttle
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Contest:: Win (5) copies of The Burning Hell This Charmed Life
It's not surprising that an artist making the long, lonely trek up North would search his inner soul for inspiration. The thing is, when it comes to The Burning Hell's front man Mathias Kom, I'm not sure he's ever held anything back from his audience. He had long since found alienation and loneliness so instead of a collection of songs offering up a glimpse into his most personal thoughts and fears, Kom's trip to Whitehorse just provided him new subject matter and settings.
What did change is how the songs were delivered. The Burning Hell has just released a tour only 12" (or downloadable record) - This Charmed Life - but instead of standing alone with his uke or with the support of his rollicking band of noisemakers, the record is Kom, his uke, the wonderful cello work of Darcy McCord, and the subtle electronics of Walter Bloodway.
Obviously, the journey affected Kom. The songs were born from random road signs and town names, cold nights and bus trips (including three moody, cinematic instrumentals written as he traveled up North) but it's the interesting arrangements that really make you sit up and take notice. Kom has always had a knack for using his sad baritone to draw you into the most bizarre lyrics, and of course that doesn't change (the record's opening line is "Robert, you're such an idiot", which sung by almost anyone else would leave even the biggest fan a bit suspicious), but the way he presents his thoughts certainly does.
Instead of uke picking, the opening number Robert's Bad End really builds from Darcy's slow bowed strings. It's a subtle shift, but gets you ready for bigger changes. The second track - Don't Let Your Guard Down - is where things get interesting. Walter adds a pulsing heartbeat to the song and Kom's staccato delivery suits it perfectly. His backbeat transforms the oddly summery riff of Last Winter into a head nodding, windows down car ready ditty that I didn't think Kom had in him. The rest of the record is equally as enjoyable and surprising. Northern Life uses a darker, almost ominous electronics and string arrangement to push Kom's trademark word play and wit into the shadows. Honestly, Kom's clever metaphors and deprecating humor benefit from the modern textures his friends add to the mix, and make this EP/LP a necessity for fans of the band.
So, how can you get a copy? Well, we have 5 - that's right 5 - digital copies up for grabs and we will make this easy. The first 5 people to email us (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave their email in the comments section below will get a nice download code from zunior in return. Not a bad deal there folks, so make with the entering.
MP3:: The Burning Hell - Last Winter
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/mathiaskom
LABEL:: http://www.weewerk.com/
Labels: Canada, Music, Reviews, The Burning Hell, Weewerk
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Plants & Animals:: Tom Cruz
The thing I've always loved about Plants & Animals is how they constantly push the limits of both fanatical and critical assumption. The band not only acknowledges, but willingly accepts the challenge of forcing people look past their varied mix of influences and think about their records as single entities that can only be digested after multiple listens. On Parc Avenue they not only got people to disregard their jam-heavy tendencies and quirky folk explorations, they had people regaling the sonic collages they built. Basically, the Montreal trio earned carte blanche to deliver another flavorful bouillabaisse of jazz, rock, and folk.
Instead, Warren, Matthew and Nicholas explode out of the gate with one of the heaviest, most muscular riffs they've ever recorded to tape. Tom Cruz still showcases the band's love of beauty in fleeting moments (the breakdown and harmonies that put the brakes on nicely at 2:51), but the core of the almost five minute adventure are the chugging bass lines, the stabs of guitar, drums and invigorating vocals. As far as excitement levels and expectations, Tom Cruz certainly puts critics and fans on notice. It's pretty obvious that La La Land - out April 20th on Secret City Records - isn't going to just be a subtle evolution of the same sounds we all loved two years ago.
MP3:: Plants & Animals - Tom Cruz
WEB:: http://www.plantsandanimals.ca/
Labels: Canada, Montreal, Music, Plants and Animals
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Reviews:: Moonshine Ramblers
"It was love, man. From the band. From the fans. From everyone."
While Haligonian bluegrassers, Moonshine Ramblers can't match The Avetts emotional narratives and heartbreaking balladry (although they try on Darkness and Stars), the love they show for the music they play is certainly on par. Their debut record - recorded live off the floor with some nicely executed vocal overdubs - finds the band paying homage to the past (Lonesome Road could easily be mistaken for a traditional number) in a modern, unique way.
Banjo picks dance around guitar licks, 60's era harmonies and a solid rhythm section, but the boys make sure that their appreciation of the greats doesn't result in a simple exercise of name the influence. Chicken Skull shows the musicianship is top shelf, as the harmonies are spot on, but it's the way The Ramblers slow things down with an almost sludge-y, guitar and stand up bass breakdown, before spiking the tempo back with a riff that would make the Duke boys proud. It might seem like a minor detail, but it helps the quintet from dating their efforts. The heavier tone they take on the United Steelworkers of Montreal inspired St. Stephen's Fire and the surge they deliver on Heavy Drinkin' Woman do the same.
But at the end of the day, this band is a bluegrass, banjo driven band and a talented one at that. With Old Man Luedecke getting ready to win the province (and the country over) with his claw-hammering, it might pave the way for this hardworking bunch of musicians to get back some of the love they give out.
MP3:: Moonshine Ramblers - Chicken Skull
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/themoonshineramblers
Labels: Canada, Halifax, Moonshine Ramblers, Music, Reviews
Monday, March 1, 2010
Reviews:: Greg MacPherson Mr. Invitation
Winnipeg native Greg MacPherson goes the other route. The opening single to his new record - Mr. Invitation - explodes into a muscular riff that heightens the intensity of his voyages. He reminds us about those first few exciting days of a trip when everything seems new, not the days that blend together as you wait for trains or fill long days by sitting in hostels or cafes.
The quick moving guitar really sets the tone for MacPherson's first record in over 4 years, one that focuses on bringing studio songs to the same excitement as his live sets. The charging pace of Backflow and Outside Edge are perfect examples. Instead of crafting stories that are best consumed alone, through headphones, MacPherson is determined to fine tune his sound to transform every moment to the heights of a live rock show. Even the personal, slow burners like and Visitor sear with an intensity that you associate with time tested narrators like Steve Earle and show MacPherson unafraid of displaying the confidence to write songs that speak to and for us all, not just for himself.
Mr. Invitation drops on March 30th, and I highly recommend you give the record the time it deserves.
MP3:: Greg MacPherson - First Class
WEB:: http://gregmacpherson.com/press/
LABEL:: http://smallmanrecords.com/
Labels: Canada, Greg MacPherson, Music, Smallman Records, Winnipeg
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee:: The Pack A.D.
The Pack A.D. has spent more hours in a van than motivational speaker, Matt Foley. Maya and Becky watch the odometer turn for hours, just so they can deliver tour-de-force performances for their ever growing fan base. The girls are fueled by coffee and an obsession with cranking the amps up to 11 and just giving it.
Basically, I have no idea how this gritty Vancouver two-piece found time to write and record, but they are getting ready to release an anti technology LP - We Kill Computers - on Mint Records and if the lead single is any indication, they may have moved slightly away from the swampy blues and decided to smack us all in the mouth with some straight up, heavy garage riffage. Not your standard Sunday morning selection, but with the huge US vs. Canada hockey game controlling 90% of Canadians thoughts, it will certainly get you ready to rumble.
MP3:: The Pack A.D. - Crazy
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thepackad
BUY:: http://thepackafterdeath.com/
Labels: Canada, Music, Sunday Morning, The Pack AD
Friday, February 26, 2010
Mike Bochoff - Horror Culture
The sheer volume of horrible acoustic songs dying to get put on display at open mic nights and house parties is overwhelming. Bottom line, buying an acoustic guitar is kind of like being able to vote; just because you have the power to exercise your voice, doesn't mean you should.
The nice thing is, for artists writing quality tracks, that volume of blah is exactly what helps them stand out. On the surface, Mike Bochoff might be using the same chords and is influenced by the same people as tons of other singers, but his new record - Horror Culture - just sticks. You start to hum the melodies and sing along on the choruses. You start letting the record repeat. Like any young song writer, the record is a bit top heavy and a bit too long but Bochoff certainly pens some songs that creep into your brain with little to no effort.
More importantly, instead of the same strums and power chords, Bochoff's experiments with sounds, instruments and textures (the Volcanoless in Canada-ish rocker The Dropout, like the more worldly sound on and the subtle female harmonies on the celtic folkish Broken Heart of Gold) helping cement that his potential is probably the most exciting aspect of this record. He's still trying to find his preferred voice; is he a working class, Irish hero, a fractured uptempo punker, a more fleshed out mature story teller? Only time will tell, but already Bochoff is a story teller above using default cliches to describe the everyday and one that keeps you listening. When its comes to a dude on an acoustic, that's the most important thing.
Plus, the video for Everything Burns is delightful. Playful marionettes and models completely contrast the song about an abusing husband and a woman fighting back and like many of Mike's songs, you find yourself just listening/watching intently.
MP3:: Mike Bochoff - Everything Burns
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/mikebochoffmusic
Labels: Canada, Halifax, mike bochoff, Music, Reviews
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reviews:: koAk - In the Sun
For NB's Ian Wilson - a.k.a. koAk - his preferred collage of fuzz, acoustics and drums has been evolving for years and stems from legends like The Microphones and Eric's Trip not Memory Tapes and Washed Out. KoAk's new record disregards a reliance on synths and samples, as Wilson adds to his structures with sonic blasts and distortion, but this time around, Ian and Meg expanded their sound by fusing in a slowed down surf rock feel to the appropriately titled, In the Sun.
Instead of beach side relaxation and sun bronzed, Dick Dale influenced shakers, the songs move at the pace of a lazy, sun-filled afternoon allowing the psychedelic tones transform the lo-fi tracks in something unexpected and transfixing. There are moments of jaw dropping beauty - the album bookends, Sleepytime (destined to soundtrack your night when the party ends and the sun starts to creep up over the horizon) and Delinelle (an opener that fulfils the crucial task of engaging you in the LP from the opening note) certainly standout - but koAK's liberal use of traditional sounds and mood prevents the dreaded blending of tracks.
They still offer up drone filled bliss, but even the muddiest of terrain - except maybe Highnoon Harmonica - seems to be free from clouds and shadows. The hint of warmth and some nice harmonies gives the songs a soul that powers through. The drums and feedback are simply used for support and embellishment, not distraction. In the Sun manages to surprise and excite you, but also relax you as the 40 minutes starts to wash over you.
Oh, and the band is giving it away for free.
MP3:: koAk - Sleepytime
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/koakrock
WEB:: http://koakrecordings.blogspot.com/
Labels: Canada, koAk, Music, New Brunswick, Reviews
Monday, February 22, 2010
Best-of '10:: The Getrudes & PS I Love You - Sailor
From the outset - even when the band revisits the group harmonies and slow moving, multi-instrument melodies - you feel the difference. The song never relents, surging forward with strings, distortion and the support of their friends, PS I Love You. Over the six plus minutes, the harmonies and tradition The Gertrudes are built upon are still present, but the energy and angst the Kingston two-piece brings to the mix are vital. The final two-minutes swirl chaotically, adding a well timed boost that helps drive the track to the finish line.
The project itself is a fantastic meld of styles and bands. One 7" record, two songs and four bands. The Gertrudes and PS I Love You handle one side of the acetate while Muskox and Bruce Peninsula hold court on the other. I would suggest you order this fast, especially considering how well the last single PS I Love You recorded fared.
MP3:: The Gertrudes & PS I Love You - Sailor
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/theothergertrudes
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/psiloveyouband
Labels: Best-of '10, Canada, Music, PS I Love You, The Gertrudes
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reviews:: Zeus Say Us
It's hard not to push Zeus into the stratosphere after an out-of-nowhere EP that offered a brief glimpse at the heights they can reach. The retro-fueled quartet from Toronto has been working hard to find their sound; whether as part of successful and highly underrated bands (The 6ixty Eights and The Golden Dogs) or out on tour as Jason Collett's backing band, and as hard as it is to not build a comparison on another multi-voiced band that got it's start playing behind a great artist, it's even harder to ignore the obvious mythological tie-in to the power and status the band could achieve.
But for me, Say Us actually brings another classic tale to mind. Icarus was given the gift of flight thanks to the precision craftsmanship of his father Daedalus. Zeus too rockets from the ground with hooks, harmonies and melodies that are indebted to their predecessors (The Beatles, The Kinks and yes, The Band ). Don't get me wrong, the band puts their own, more muscular spin on the sweet sounds music lovers have gravitated to for years, and naturally, that swagger and confidence pushes band higher and higher. Sadly at times, Say Us gets too close to the sun, singing the tips of the wings that gave the band flight.
But unlike the classic tale of the impetuousness of youth, great music only comes from taking risks, especially when you find the ingredients in a cupboard pillaged by countless bands. Zeus thrives on a confidence and precision that results in a musical freedom and while Say Us might not be the start to finish transcendent escape we all hoped for, for the precious moments when they soar without fear or repercussion (How Does It Feel?, Kindergarden, and I Know stack up against any of the output of any Canadian band out there today), this TO quartet owns the sky and you realize with a bit more patience there's no limit to the heights they can fly.
MP3:: Zeus - Marching Through Your Head
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/themusicofzeus
LABEL:: http://www.arts-crafts.ca/
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Dog is Blue:: It Happens in Florida
Love; as far as pop songs go, pining over the perfect partner is glorified no matter how heartbreaking the end results actually are. For The Burning Hell's Mathias Kom, It Happens in Florida - a track from his terrific debut LP - shows that the shine of love has long been tarnished. The grandiose visions and hope of new love have been replaced by reality, and Kom draws strength from that. His simple strums and witty similes grow into a surging choral swell as Kom dares love to do it's worst, producing an unexpected anthem that even Pat Benatar could get behind.
When placed in the hands (and voices) of the playful Toronto duo, Dog is Blue, the mood of the song changes. Kom's Cohen-esque croon becomes an almost tongue in cheek take on the pains of love that is bound to surface when the studio you share with your band mate is also the the apartment you share with her. You can't help but picture Paul Watson and Laura Heaney trading smiles as they trade vocals. Synths and drums take the sting out of Kom's words and replace the mood with a surprising, albeit very enjoyable lightness (when Heaney takes the vocals and sings over Paul's funky blasts you can't help but nod along) . They may not share Kom's take on love, but they certainly respect his music and this tribute to one of Can-indie's most overlooked talents proves that.
You can pick up the entire EP - one new song, three covers and a remix - for the low, low price of $2.22 and sleep better knowing the profits go directly to the Daily Bread food bank.
MP3:: Dog is Blue - It Happens in Florida
WEB:: http://dogisblue.com/
BUY:: Buy from Zunior
Labels: Canada, Dog is Blue, Music
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Besnard Lakes - Albatross
The power and polish of this 4-minute song are hidden under atmospheric distortion and sunshine kissed harmonies. Instead of relaxation and lazy days, Montreal's The Besnard Lakes use the warmth as inspiration. They want you to get up and get moving, push forward and overcome. I'm not sure if the albatross is something they feel weighing around their neck, but if so, it's certainly not evident on this effort. Olga Goreas' vocals float alongside and on top of the surging wash and turn an overused symbol and an oft sampled sound into something beautiful, and more importantly, something liberating.
Check out The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night on March 9th.
MP3:: The Besnard Lakes - Albatross
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thebesnardlakes
WEB:: http://www.thebesnardlakes.com/
Labels: Canada, Music, The Besnard Lakes
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Boats Cannonballs, Cannonballs!
The band still displays some Unicorns-ish whimsy, kinetic energy and quirky, discount bin synth sounds - Drinking The Lake and Movie Scores; We Hummed for example - but Cannonballs, Cannonballs! finds Mat exploring more complex narratives and the band using bigger textures and taking some risks. I'm not sure if I could have predicted Mat and his rotating cast of characters crafting a beautiful electro pop gem like Smokestack & Lucy's Magnificent Cabaret last time out, but it's one of many highlights on the new record.
Interestingly enough, when their last record came out I remember Dave Ullrich saying that Boats was like Arcade Fire without the drama. At the time I thought he was off his rocker, but now the comparison seems very fitting. As I let TV Scientist fade into the heavier drums of Summercamp vs. The Fake Moustache Tree, feel the thump of Chrome Eyelids or settle into the catchy Our Athletic Friends I get swept up in the potential of this young Winnipeg outfit. CBCB! is only their second album, but they put together twelve songs that are powerful, but never attempt to be bigger than the instruments they use or the sounds they prefer. They don't throw on layer after layer hoping to impress you; Boats lets you feel like you are a part of the song, and slowly builds to a climax after hooking you in early. Plus, at the end of the day I don't think they'd ever steal my basketball.
MP3:: Boats - Chrome Eyelids
MP3:: Boats - Our Athletic Friends
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/boatthemusicband
Labels: Boats, Canada, Music, Quick Hitters, Winnipeg
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee:: The Sheepdogs
I'm 99% sure that traveling along the road of a modern classic rocker is almost impossible. People give anyone sounding like Neil Young or The Beatles a pass - not a John Mayer type of pass - but if you try to rekindle a love of Foghat people give you the gas face. Honestly, if you can actually find a classic rock fan, chances are they would always pick up a dusty CD from their shelf before heading down to a dingy club hoping to hear someone get it right when it comes to sampling from The Stones catalog.
It's also the one genre that everyone assumes bands attack with a tongue planted firmly in cheek, resulting in songs steeped with irony. It becomes easy to dismiss the effort as a novelty act, instead of a bunch of dudes just loving music that came from years ago and was made with guitars, bass, drums and keys instead of Mac Books and loops. That my friend, is too bad because when a band gets it right - like Vancouver's Lions in the Street - the results are enjoyable. An act that is right on the cusp of reaching that level is Saskatchewan's The Sheepdogs. Their latest record - Learn & Burn - is full of classic rockers with some soul and sepia-drenched keys/organ mixed in an encased in a giant cloud of sweet smelling smoke.
I can't say the record ever reaches that "classic" status for me, but I never question the band's integrity. These songs never feel like The Sheepdogs are simply pilfering from the past and that's why, even with the occasional mention of facebook, no one would object if you threw this record onto an old dive bar juke box and hit play. The recipe of guitars, drums and nicely executed harmonies feels legit, built on years of listening to the same songs and jamming out in the garage. You hear the familiar touch points - heavy in 70's southern rock and some Beatles-y riffs - but you also can tell The Sheepdogs are trying hard to carve out their niche in a genre forgotten by most people unless karaoke is on the menu.
When the band gets it right - like they do with the nostalgic anthem, I Don't Get By - you can't help but think back to a time when music meant something and the nights spent listening to it were the best nights of your young life. The band will be making a stop here in Halifax to burn the Seahorse down on March 3rd. Might be time to get your matching denim jacket and jeans out of the closet and rock out.
MP3:: Sheepdogs - I Don't Know
MP3:: Sheepdogs - Down By The River Louder (Neil Young)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thesheepdogs
Labels: Canada, Music, Quick Hitters, Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs
Friday, February 12, 2010
Contest:: Win limited edtion RAA vinyl from Paper Bag
I'm not sure I remember any Canadian indie band that grinded it out to achieve the success The RAA is now reaping. They spent a year touring the country, playing shows as a relative unknown, before catching a huge break when they were named the eMusic band of the month. We all know how it ended up; The RAA opened for Grizzly Bear, got signed to Saddle Creek, became everyone's favorite - including Stephen Harper - and days of them playing for about twenty people at Coconut Grove are long gone. But instead of getting big headed like Christina Ricci, the trio remains down to earth and three of the nicest musicians you will ever get to meet and you wish every good thing they've had happen to happen again and again.
Obviously, the good people at Paper Bag Records agree because they have decided to release a super limited pressing of Hometowns on vinyl... 180gram BLUE VINYL with a hand silk screened cover. There are only 300 up for grabs, so I'd suggest you enter now and pre-order before the stock runs out. If I was less honest, I'd rig this contest so the winner was me because Hometowns is one of those record you never get tired off, and as a Canadian indie fan, it's one that proves how talented the Canadian scene really is.
To enter, just drop us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave your email in the comments section below.
Here's a special little treat for anyone that hasn't gotten the chance to see RAA live in the last year or so. Nils usually throws in a heartfelt, kitsch-free take on Survivor's Eye of the Tiger and the band has added as a b-side on their 7". It's the perfect start to your day, no matter what day it is.
MP3:: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Eye of the Tiger
MYSPACE:: http://www.theraa.com/
BUY:: http://paperbagrecords.com/shop/hometowns
Labels: Canada, contests, Music, Paperbag, Rural Alberta Advantage
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Reviews:: Matthew Barber True Believer
Descriptors like effortless, timeless, and classic are easy to throw around but really don't equate to anything you can hold onto. At the end of the day - to bastardize a Miles Davis quote - music either makes you smile and tap your foot or it doesn't. It would be easy if saying that Barber's songs make you move was enough, but the undeniable shift in how we gauge song writers makes that almost impossible. Barber's influences are people that wrote songs for the masses, unashamed that their strums made people happy, dominated the radio and could be enjoyed by anyone that listened, so why should we not extend the same courtesy to song writers in the current age?
I guess in an ironic twist, Barber puts out record after record of songs that fit all of those qualifiers but you rarely hear his name mentioned among our nation's best. To be honest though, I think Barber is ok with that and if pushed, he might say that he'd rather his songs be compared to his predecessors instead of his peers. So when he and producer Howie Beck sat down to record True Believer and Barber says that he was influenced by Neil Young, Tom Petty, Al Green, The Boss and The Band, I think those names are listed as a sign of respect and a potential measuring stick but not a blueprint for his sound. Barber doesn't want to sound like them, he simply wants his catalog to stand alongside theirs. Even when he adds some summery Paul Simon-esque guitar and percussion, the song is still built on Barber's musical foundation.
That small but significant difference is why the stripped down melodies he offers on True Believer are so infectious. Instead of forcing comparisons, you simply settle into the record knowing Barber's sound is his own. With only some perfect harmonies and a picked guitar line, Barber captivates the listener on The Little Things. Even when he beefs up the sound, layers are added for impact, not novelty. The booming horns and strings that get you nodding on the title track or the banjo and finger snaps that catch your ear on Comeback Baby never detract from the guitar and vocals, they just complete the sound. The gentle swell of horns on Revolution of the Sun don't overwhelm you, they force you to focus on his words and feel his emotion.
The ten songs on True Believer show the trademark flexibility of his voice - it's hard to imagine another contemporary artist that can deliver a perfect road trip anthem (Hawks on the Highway) and still sound completely comfortable on the most spare arrangements (Suddenly) or sharing the vocals with his talented sister (@JillBarber) - and should help cement his status as one of Canada's greats. I guess it all depends if people are ready to say sounding like Matt Barber instead of the slew of artists on which we gauge every song writer is finally good enough or not. Hopefully you are, because I certainly am.
MP3:: Matthew Barber - Revolution of the Sun
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/mbarber
BUY:: outside-music.com
Labels: Canada, Matthew Barber, Music, Ontario, Reviews, Toronto
Monday, February 8, 2010
Reviews:: Aidan Knight Versicolour
The thing is while Dan is a bar room prophet, a man observing the human condition from the stool in the bar or restaurant, Aidan Knight comes across as more of an innocent, wide eyed poet. By no means is that a slight, as Versicolour effortlessly strips away the stress of life with each picked riff, vocal harmony (courtesy of the lovely girls in O'Darling) and subtle nuance that catches your ear as you listen to Knight's 8-song debut.
If I had to pick a single moment of Versicolour, it would be the gentle collage of banjo and steel that run alongside the summery guitar of Jasper, and the immediate release you feel. Be it the baggage of stress or heartache, it's hard to focus on Aidan's lyrics because the three and a half minutes transports you to a better time. It's impossible to see this song through Knight's eyes, as he paints a scene we all hold close. I'd say it's that freedom of youth, but that would trivialize the emotion he delivers. Some people find salvation singing in church, letting the sway of the congregation cleanse their soul. Aidan lets us feel that same relief just by triggering memories when life just made sense.
That's not to say this record lacks depth or maturity. Knight moves from sun to shade nicely throughout this quick hitting LP; the beautiful Altar Boys is heavy in melancholy, Knitting Something Nice For You makes a song about knitting like a metaphor for a heroine user and even the opening number, The Sun uses atmosphere and piano to set a darker tone before horns and harmonies brighten the affair) - it's just when his melodies float along Fighting Against Your Lungs, the songs tend to soar.
Regardless, whether he tends to look for the sun or relish the shadows, it's pretty obvious Aidan will be successful. I wouldn't bank on the astronomical leap his current tour mate has seen, but I'm pretty sure once people get their hands on Vescicolour and give the record a few plays, he's no longer going to be an unknown solo artist playing in support for other bands.
MP3:: Aidan Knight - Jasper
MYSPACE:: whttp://www.myspace.com/aidanknightmusic
Labels: Aidan Knight, Canada, Music, Reviews, Vancouver
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Reviews:: Ian La Rue & the Condor A History of Layers
Without typecasting the sound - especially after we found out just how diverse the sound was on our Manitoba mixtape - I've found a surprisingly high number of acts that effortless blend emotion, energy, characters and heart into surging anthems that make you move, even when you focus in on what's being said. Whether it's The Weakerthans, The Paperbacks (a band Ian shares a sound and member with) or new to me, but seasoned vet of several releases, Ian La Rue & The Condor, Winnipeg seems to be full of artists that pen songs tug on your heart strings, but sound better the louder you crank them up.
A History of Layers is heavy on sing-alongs and fist pumpers (Sanguine Cursive, Cadence) and slow burning ballads (A Crow's Flight, Altruist's Anthem), but La Rue never hides his narratives behind the music. On every song, you get the impression the words La Rue sings mean something to him, and as a result, they mean something to us. More importantly, no matter how much emotion the Winterpegger adds to his songs, he never drifts into the emo-esque emotional realm that caters to angst ridden mall teens and no one else. The record is accessible and easy, but has a depth you don't get from people that haven't experienced life.
La Rue's songs move with a sense of purpose. The undercurrents that run through the record's narratives (fear is the one that you get hit with most often) are matched with atmospheric undercurrents that add drama and electricity to even the most restrained of songs. The B-side of the record is slowed in pace, but the Condor (his band) really thickens up the mix and keep things interesting. The nicely executed slow build of the penultimate track - And It All Comes Down To This - is heavily influenced by Death Cab for Cutie, a band La Rue sites as a potential jump off point for new fans. A History of Layers may never reach the heights of Gibbard's best work, but it certainly fares well enough to warrant the comparison.
MP3:: Ian La Rue & the Condor - Sanguine Cursive
MP3:: Ian La Rue & the Condor - A Crow's Flight
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/ianlaruemusic
BUY:: http://www.ianlarue.ca
Labels: Canada, Ian La Rue, Music, Reviews, Winnipeg
Monday, February 1, 2010
Reviews:: Woodhands Remorsecapade
But when it comes to Toronto's Woodhands, they might just be the proselytizers that open up my ears (and my closed mind) to different sounds. Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt have the unique ability to write a love song, one that runs you over with sadness and could uncovered on a dive bar jukebox, but hide the message in frantic shout/screamed vocals, an almost punk rock like anger and drums that never give up.
You could dance all night to the Cansecos-inspired hook and vocals of Talk, the Maylee Todd/Dan Werb duet Dissembler or Sluts (especially when the breakdown gives the track a spacey like vibe), but you can also listen to the record in almost any situation. When the duo is operating at top speed, Werb delivers his message with the energy of one of the crazy Kensington Market preachers or a hardcore front man (just listen to I should have gone with my friends) and Banwatt's intricate drums dance around your headphones nicely. It's almost impossible to disregard the bank of synths that fill up the stage when they play, but I've always felt Woodhands was a band that played electro jams, not just another electro act rehashing the overused sounds and repetitive beats. If Remorsecapade can change my mind, I'm sure it can change yours too.
Update - how about a Woodhands vs Pitchfork unreleased track? Ok! Download P'iss right here, right now.
MP3:: Woodhands - Pockets
MP3:: Woodhands - Dancer ft. Maylee Todd
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/woodhands
BUY:: http://www.paperbagrecords.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Archie Cooper If I Had Train Fare
The young Canadian DJ took the familiar vocals and trademark grit of John Lee Hooker as a starting point for a remix record entitled, If I Had Train Fare. Before you give a huge disappointed face and cry outrage that a young DJ would tamper with the greatness of JLH - like I almost did - it should be noted immediately that Cooper treats the compositions with respect, letting the timeless music drive the project instead of relying on the egotistical premise that he can rework the tracks into something great, in turn making them unpalatable for any fan of the original.
Blues guitar, horns and vocal snippets are fused seamlessly with samples, cuts, and beats into a remarkably understated, but highly enjoyable listen. The instantly recognizable "I'm bad, like Jesse James" is looped and scratched on Drifter Session 8, but for hip hoppers, that classic line is no more familiar than hearing Busta Rhymes drop "as I come back" when Cooper slides it into Everything Burns.
This record is obviously indebted to the past, but certainly not stuck in it. Cooper pays tribute to a great artist, and treads lightly (but confidently) around the songs in an effort to expose a new crowd of music lovers to a legend. Best part, well, you can download it all for free. I highly recommend you do.
MP3:: Archie Cooper - Drifter Session 8
MP3:: Archie Cooper - Everything Burns (Holistic Mix)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/archiecooper
D/L:: http://archiecooper.com/album/if-i-had-train-fare
Labels: Archie Cooper, Canada, John Lee Hooker, Music, Remix
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Matt Dillon's Soul Patch:: Caribou Odessa
Without a doubt, the one show Shane and I will joke about from now until we are moments away from being buried in the dirt is the night we saw Caribou - at the time, Dan was still operating under the name Manitoba - play at the Horseshoe.
Not only did the band come out and obliterate everyone's ear drums with a feverish attack on any and all substances that could be used to create a percussive sound, but the opening band was four dudes playing singing saws behind a sheet filled with projected images. Of course, they were called "The Saws" and seeing hipsters kick it to a gaggle of saws was pretty well amazing in an "are people actually enjoying this?" type of way. But obviously, Dan Snaith and his band was why we were there, and why we are posting today. After a name change, and a surprising Polaris Prize win thanks to the fractured sounds of Andorra, he's back and naturally, he seems to have reinvented the Caribou sound one more time.
The single from the new record - Swim - is called Odessa and it's as infectious a song as I've heard from the man. Melodic, enjoyable, danceable... these are not the common reactions to Dan's innovative, cacophonous compositions, but if Odessa is the template for the record, Swim might become a DJ favorite. You can't help start tossing out names (Junior Boys was the one that lodged into my brain along with Whitest Boy Alive/Erlend Oye vox that blow your mind) when the bass line and electro tones start dominating your headphones, but make no mistake, the tribal, visceral feel of the song is pure Snaith. I'll warn you now, if you listen to this song once, prepare to have it loops over and over for about a half hour.
MP3:: Caribou - Odessa
WEB:: http://www.caribou.fm/
Labels: Canada, Caribou, Matt Dillons Soul Patch, Music, Odessa
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reviews:: Basia Bulat Heart of My Own
Thankfully, Oh My Darling got heard - and nominated for the Polaris - and that success has given Basia the time to grow as an artist and deliver a sophomore LP that exceeds even her amazing potential. Looking back, much like Zach from Rogue Wave, when you listen to her debut album you sometimes get the feel that even the biggest arrangements she put together grew from the most humble of beginnings; visions in her head that a studio band could play with if ever given the chance.
As Heart of My Own explodes out of the gate with the surging power of Go On, you see that Basia and her band are now a single, cohesive entity. The clacking rim shots, marching drum snare and deep hollow bass drum build a tension behind her voice that flows perfectly into collage of strings. It's not often you think of a folk artist that hooks you with an opening track, unless it's one of those 8-minute epic tales that details the human condition, but Basia manages to show she's still as talented as we remember, but she's stronger, more experienced and more willing to push her boundaries. Run is another perfect representation of her new sound. In theory, the song could have fit nicely amongst the tracks from her last record, but every note, every harmony, every idea seems to move in perfect step. Subtle flourishes chime in and out without distracting you, as if the band is one step ahead of you, knowing what you want next before you do.
Heart of My Own was born on the road, but more importantly, even as it grew from Basia's soul, it could have grown for ours. She embraces the happiness we feel amongst our friends as we share drinks and laughs, but understands life is hard and being alone is something that not only happens, sometimes is needed. She invigorates the listen (and the listener) with at just the right times - the uptempo, horn filled romp If Only You, a track so infectious you can't do anything but listen intently wishing it would run for about five more minutes - but also lets you retreat with personal, moving songs like The Shore. She still presents tender thoughts - Sugar and Spice is beautiful and the playful notes of Sparrow just exude the playfulness she can deliver so effortlessly - but even the gentlest of songs have a density.
Too much importance is put on that dreaded second record, but not only has Basia cleared that hurdle with Edwin Moses like precision, she shows that she will be an artist judged by a catalog not a single record. She shows she can write songs that will stand the test of time (If It Rains), and start speaking for everyone not just the young Toronto-based singer. Even with how much I loved her first effort, I don't think even I expected her to reach that level so quickly.
Hali readers, don't forget Basia is going to be playing with Owen Pallett on Feb. 10th @ St. Matthew's Church. I can't think of a better venue to hear her belt out the spiritual Hush, so I'd move fast and get your tickets now.
MP3:: Basia Bulat - Gold Rush
MP3:: Basia Bulat - Go On
WEB:: http://www.basiabulat.com/
BUY:: http://secretcityrecords.com/
Labels: Basia Bulat, Best-of '10, Canada, Music, Reviews, Secret City Records
Friday, January 22, 2010
Reviews:: The Geese Small Boat EP
Thankfully, when it comes to The Geese - a folk collective from New Brunswick that recently moved to Vancouver and changed their name from The Family Band - the songs on their EP are full of ramshackle and creativity. Each of the five songs are loosely held together by the shared members but almost nothing else.
The opening number - Le Beau Risque - is a beautiful, bilingual track full of mandolin, drums, acoustic, female vocals and spirit; a clever song from Quebec to the rest of Canada disguised as a back and forth between two lovers, the track sounds like it could be a standard from years long since past but the foot stomp beat that darts in and out and the cymbal washes make the song feel alive. The band does an abrupt turn on Zachari's tender Ancestors, a heartfelt tale about family and love. The piano, long bended notes and gentle picks held complete the cozy setting Zachari sings about, but right around the 3-minute mark, the band adds some playful hand claps to refocus your listen. It's only for a few seconds, but it shows complete control of sound.
Each of the five songs makes an impact, and could stand alone but it's the way the potential and talent the collective offers that really excites me. The songs are heavy in emotion, but the band manages to keep the whole affair fun.On the spiky New Brunswickers, the lead vocals, sing shout chorus and percussive stomp could be slipped into a Bruce Peninsula set, but the band uses strings and accordion to soften the impact.
By the time they experiment with some heavier, almost Crazy Horse inspired electric work on the country rocker, Frustration, you are left wondering if there is any style they won't fuse into their sound. The song, obviously, doesn't crank up the amps and distortion but the slight bit of muscle works well and as they fade into another mix of electric and accordion on God's Children you realize the 17-minutes of music leaves your completely satisfied, and you wouldn't change a note.
MP3:: The Geese - Le Beau Risque
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/familybandnb
BUY:: http://music.thegeese.ca/
Labels: Canada, Family Band, Folk, Music, New Brunswick, Roots, The Geese, Vancouver
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Quick Hitters:: Pathological Lovers Calling All Favours
Lately, the music scene seems to have shifted away from bar room rock that makes you feel alive to more hushed, artistic efforts. Introverted performers have taken over, leaving dynamic front men like Jody Richardson as the outliers, but when the band hits their stride - like they do an the propulsive Wednesday and the dynamite 101 Fictions - you feel those nostalgic pangs in your heart, longing for a time where going to a show was memorable or turning up songs in your car didn't make you feel like a douchebag. The charisma and energy that crackles through on the sure fire CBC3 hits Storm Your Little and rockers like Wednesday make you feel like you are in the studio with them as they record the tracks and if they can even come close to matching that electricity these guys are set to become the next big band to leave Newfoundland for bigger stages and crowds.
MP3:: Pathological Lovers - Storm Your Little
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thepathologicallovers
Labels: Canada, Music, Newfoundland, Pathological Lovers
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Contests:: Win 2tix and CD from The Balconies
Well folks, The Balconies are coming to Halifax and playing with three stellar local acts:
* Soaking Up Jagged
* Bad Vibrations (Dog Day, Husband & Knife and The Hold)
* Cold Warps
Herohill has a copy of their CD and two tickets to give to one lucky winner. The show is Feb. 6th @ The Seahorse and should be a fantastical way to spend your evening. To enter, just leave your email in the comments below or email us the info - HEROHILL @ GMAIL DOT COM.
MP3:: The Balconies - Ghost Fever
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies
Labels: Canada, Contest, Music, The Balconies
Matt Dillon's Soul Patch:: Apollo Ghosts Land of the Morning Calm
I guess though, when the band is as good as Vancouver's Apollo Ghost and the blogger is Ryan over @ The Catbirdseat, playing second fiddle is ok and finally getting on board is much more important than being "first."
Apollo Ghosts - a three-piece from Vancouver - is the type of band you hear once and fall in love with; it's that simple. Witty, infectious, spontaneous. The Vancouverites transform the most common of descriptors into something meaningful and true. If I had actually heard this record, it would have easily made my Top 10 for '09 and knowing that another LP is just around the corner is enough to make me happy and forget the huge oversight.
So, the single we have here- Land of the Morning Calm - is a perfect intro to the band. On Hastings Sunrise, the band successfully moves all over the map, but the creativity and talent that oozes from every song holds it all together. Land of the Morning Calm lures you in with chugging guitars and baritone, yelping and group shouted vocals, but instead of simply building and building to a feverish level, the band keeps both feet on the ground. If you can listen to this song only once, you are a better (wom)man than me.
* The thing is, I could have picked any song from this record to prove my point. The simple intro of Dobermans uses accordion and catchy lyrics to peak your interest, before the band kicks in and turns the quick hitter into something magical. The energy of Little Yokohama. The smile inducing, quirky, acoustic/horn filled ditty, Maybe Its Me... actually, just go stream the whole record and discover the joy for yourself.
MP3:: Apollo Ghosts - Land of the Morning Calm
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/adrianteacher
Labels: Apollo Ghosts, Canada, Matt Dillons Soul Patch, Music, Vancouver
Monday, January 18, 2010
Reviews:: Owen Pallett Heartland
The thing is, I don't really know anything about Pallett as a human being. Other than cursory references, most of the common talking points are things I've never been interested in. That probably has a lot to do with my limited interest in much of Final Fantasy's previous work. Up until now, it's been impossible to disregard Palett's talent or not be moved by the power of seeing him perform live, but for me that's as deep as I've ever explored Final Fantasy.
As a result, Heartland sat in my inbox for over a week before I even downloaded the record. Obviously I knew it would be immaculately crafted, full of whimsy and staccato bursts that sound terrific in the intimate confines of my headphones, but I wasn't sure what else I would be able to say about the songs. What I didn't know was that Heartlands was a pop record that satisfies any immediate need for melody and power, but balances it with a sonic density built from a collage of sounds that seems bigger than life.
Ironically, as Owen drops his former moniker and offers himself just as a human being, the songs are much more involved than his previous violin-looped efforts. Owen has worked hard on arrangements for countless artists over the last few years and he puts that experience to work on Heartland, his concept album about a farmer. The record is a slow building arc that lets Owen fuses strings, percussion and electronics, displaying a deft orchestral touch, pop sensibility and an understanding of climax and power.
As the young artist moves us through his fictional world, the decision to step out from behind the curtain and reveal himself - not only by name, but by sound and emotion - helps this record immensely. The story - obviously yes, it's important to the record - isn't essential to the experience. Often times we focus on the narrative, not the beautiful sounds attached, but at least for now, it's Pallett's sonic palette that excites me. In a much different package, The Thermals The Body, The Blood,The Machine was the same type of record. If you focused on analyzing Hutch's words, it became easy to disregard the songs and I hope that doesn't become the case when people start digesting Heartland.
When you take a step back and simply listen to the delightful pop of Lewis Takes Action, the theatrical drama of or the electronic driven lines of the poignant and surging The Great Elsewhere you realize that Owen may be a complex human being, but more importantly he's a truly gifted artist. There's not a moment of the record that I don't find riveting, which is as shocking to me as any of the changes and decisions Pallett made on this effort. Heartlands makes me feel like I know more about Owen as a human being than any interview or analysis ever could.
MP3:: Owen Pallett - Lewis Takes Off His Shirt
WEB:: http://www.owenpalletteternal.com/
Labels: Best-of '10, Canada, Music, owen pallett
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee:: Digits
Technically, Digits is the work of one man, Alt Altman, and that's extremely fitting. Instead of composing boombastic electronic symphonies that let you escape, hidden by thousands of other sweat soaked peers, Altman's music is written when you are by yourself, looking just to get lost in the sounds as they dart from ear to ear in your headphones.
His new LP - Hold it Close - is perfect for anyone that thought Erlend Oye's work with Whitest Boy Alive was just a bit too cherry and accessible. It's heartbreaking in it's chill, almost as if no matter how many times love presents itself, Altman is predisposed to let it pass him by. The songs are rich in the bleak depression that dominated 80's music, but not dominated by theatre or implied tragedy. You can grab some tracks at his bandcamp site, but I'd highly suggest grabbing the whole record for a mere 10 bucks.
MP3:: Digits - Sarah
MP3:: Digits - You're Going to Age
WEB:: http://digitsmusic.com/
Labels: Canada, Digits, Music, Sunday Morning, Toronto
Thursday, January 14, 2010
IDOW:: The Abramson Singers
One of those acts is The Abramson Singers. When I was in Vancouver, Leah Abramson played in some great bands (Dyad was always a treat to see) and was kind of the West Coast Julie Fader when it came to being recruited to guest on tracks. Her voice is so pure that she is able to create layer after layer of harmonies and meld them into a beautiful (and equally dense) musical experience.
She's getting ready to release her record on White Whale, and thirty minutes of music she offers up on the self-titled release are pretty amazing. She can deliver amazing vocal dynamics (like the opening number, Take a Camera, Trucker's Prayer and Old Maids) but is just as comfortable fronting a more traditional folk offering (By the River) or dark swirling numbers like Fool's Gold, but for me the album stand-out is her stellar take on the Wiseman number, You Don't Love Me. Leah stands front and center, but when the harmonies kick in it sounds like she is fronting the Deep Dark Woods. The whole album is enjoyable, but when this song comes on I can't focus on anything else. It's probably my favorite song of the new year.
She and David Sikula will be playing Jan 29th @ The Company House with Klarka Weinwurm, the always amazing Melissa McLelland, and Del Barber. Seeing how she transforms the meticulously recorded layers of harmonies should be a real treat.
Click here for the entire IDOW schedule.
MP3:: The Abramson Singers - You Don't Love Me (Bob Wiseman cover)
MYSPACE:: http://myspace.com/leahabramson
BUY:: BUY from White Whale
Labels: Canada, Halifax, IDOW, Music, The Abramson Singers, Vancouver
