Herohill

Quick Hitters:: Slate Pacific - The Safe Passage Remix EP

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:22:00 +0000

It's kind of fun when the artist says this kind of thing about one of their own projects:

The Slate Pacific Remix EP is an absurd idea that somehow works.

It's even funner when they're right. I reviewed this Fredericton outfit's last EP, Safe Passage, almost a year ago, and if you were to ask me which EP's I've heard in the last year are a perfect candidate for a remixed version of themselves, I have to confess that this one likely wouldn't come to mind. And that's not any comment on the EP's quality, I liked it quite a bit, but the heavy, emotional feel found on most of Logan Hawkes' songs doesn't seem to to make them a good companion for the uptempo electronic treatment. But that's why this remix EP proves two things: 1) I often don't know much 2) When music is concerned, it always pays to experiment.

Or rather, have some friend to experiment with you, and The SP enlisted friends like Paranerd, Professor Undressor, Senor Citizen, and Sean One to transform their songs - to a rather pleasing effect. Senior Citizen opens the EP with a fairly faithful take on Thirteen Kinds of Chemicals, adding some big drums and fizzy modulation to the moody track. The subdued drums & re-worked guitars used by First Words MC/producer Sean One on his remix for Jenn's Not Going To Make It might make it my favorite track on this EP. It certainly has some competition though, as the sunny, Professor Undressor remix of OEC is very catchy, and renders the original almost un-recognizable.

So kudos to the folks from Slate Pacific for being able to have some fun with their music, and trusting their songs in the hands of their friends. Now they want these songs to be in your hands, as they're giving the EP away for free, so go ahead and have a listen. I myself will be listening for new Slate Pacific music, in whatever form it comes.

MP3:: The Slate Pacific - Jenn's Not Going To Make It (Sean One Mix)
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/theslatepacific

Reviews:: Fred Squire S/T

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:15:00 +0000

It's not surprising that Fred Squire just released his latest record to little or no fanfare; that's kind of been the way the talented Sackville resident has approached his entire career. His purist vision (bordering on insane in today's "me first" market) that good music will eventually get heard is becoming less and less of a reality. Demos are sent to blogs within minutes of being recorded. Albums are traded freely months before release, but almost defiantly, Squire actually removes himself farther from the machine as the only "releases" this 7-song record gets is on cd-rs cased in a manila envelope, destined for only the most devout fans lucky to either know Fred or catch a show.

And that borders on a musical tragedy.

Squire's voice and subtle, distorted guitar should have pushed him to the top of the Can-Indie rock list by now - and underneath the barely audible vocals of the opening track What's That Over There, a Dead Rainbow? is the ever present chugging electric engine that has driven most of his previous work (and the bluesy stomp of We Are All The Middle Child I guess) - but it's the remaining songs that make this record so important in terms of how his music is judged.

The record plays like a moment of clarity; Squire is as honest and exposed as I've heard him. Piano ballads strips out most of the distorted safety net his Crazy Horse guitar style provides, and reveals subject matter is incredibly powerful and heart felt. The accordion, string laced instrumental End of Previous Song unsettles the listener and unshackles the chains that expectations have put on Squire's catalog. The droning melody reveals seconds of beauty, before Squire hits us with beautiful harmonies on the spiritual, acoustic/piano ballad You Sing High, We Will Sing Low.

It's so easy to forget that Fred's voice can pierce through the clunkiest of riffs and distorted energy, but on the stripped down tracks he provides here, it's almost hypnotic. The simple piano chord progression that starts Old Times Past Times is the perfect stage for Squire to grab the listeners before infusing the track with drums and tasteful electric. Fred walks us down moments of his life, never letting the pace or volume distract us from his words, and as he repeats, "the decisions that I made" you never get the sense he's heavy with regret, he's just finally willing to talk about some of the events that have stuck with him.

The truly amazing thing about this record is that even though the first few songs rank high among my favorite pieces he's ever written, Frankie & Albert might become the song that shows Squire reaching the summit of his potential. The effortless combination of piano and guitar are as honest a melody as I can remember and fit perfectly with the 5-minutes of heartbreak Fred sings about. Love, loss, pain, death and fear; these themes are ever present in music, but when they are delivered as perfectly as they are on Frankie & Albert, the results are enough to make you cry.

So is the fact that almost nobody will get to hear the song and share the experience.

MP3:: Fred Squire - Frankie & Albert

MP3:: Fred Squire - Old Times, Past Times
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/calmdownitsmonday
BUY:: Good luck

The Ricardo Christoff Apparatus

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:02:00 +0000

If you are, like myself, a fan of both Buck 65 and D-Sisive, the news of their forthcoming partnership, The Ricardo Christoff Apparatus was likely met by much rejoicing. In my case, these two likely occupy spots 1 & 2 on the "Canadian hip hop dudes Shane has blogged about most" (go ahead, enter either in the search box over there, and you'll get plenty results), and I have no doubt there are tons of other folks across the country who are just as excited. Sure, we had a taste of what could be accomplished by this duo on The Superbowl Is Over from D's Let The Children Die, or even on Classified's Loonie, but now these Can-rap powerhouses are teaming up for a project called 100 Story Building.

We re looking for stories. Tell us a story about a person you know - a friend, a relative, a love interest, a co-worker, a roommate The story should be funny, strange, tragic, inspiring, epic or all of the above. We ll pick a bunch of the best stories and turn them into songs. That s it! Be sure to tell us the name of the person the story is about, because that will be the title of the song. Instant immortalization!

Now if you consider the lyrical and storytelling skill of these two fine gentlemen, then one would think your stories are going to be in safe hands. So what are you waiting for, send your story to 100storybuilding@gmail.com on the double.

And now, to celebrate this historic partnership, the two most awkwardly-related songs I could think of to accompany this post: D-Sisive doing a Poison cover, and a Stinkin' Rich song. Enjoy!

MP3:: Stinkin' Rich - Three Up, Three Down
MYSPACE::www.myspace.com/buck65

MP3:: D-Sisive - Every Rose Has Its Thorn
MYSPACE::www.myspace.com/dsisive

Contest:: Win 2 tix and limited edition Daniel, Fred & Julie poster

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:15:00 +0000

I'm not sure there is much more I can say about the lovely record Daniel, Fred & Julie created last summer in Sackville. Their stripped down take on folk classics has dominated my listening patterns for the last 6 months, and in that time I've given you a review, a track by track breakdown from Daniel Romano (Attack in Black), dubbed the LP as the #2 in Canada last year and earmarked it for my Polaris ballot. And truthfully... part of me still feels like I haven't given the record enough praise and face time here on herohill.

Thankfully they are playing a show in Halifax at The North Street Church on April 9th (the day after one blogger's birthday) with some opening support from Laura Peek and Baby Eagle.

To get everyone excited we are giving one lucky winner two tickets to the show and one of the limited edition posters (100 printed) that Daniel designed for the tour. It's rare in today's music that music is made strictly for the love of the songs, and this project was born out of that love and sends it to anyone that listens. This show is one you shouldn't miss. All you have to do is send an email to HEROHILL AT GMAIL DOT COM or leave your details in the comments section. Good luck!

For those that are afraid of missing out if they don't win, tickets are on sale now @ Heartwood, Lost & Found and Taz Records for $10.

MP3:: Daniel, Fred & Julie - The Gambler and His Bride
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/danielfredandjulie
FACEBOOK EVENT:: Daniel, Fred & Julie

Reviews:: Share Coco et Co.

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:10:00 +0000

A few years ago, Nebraskan song writer Josh Rouse picked up and moved to Spain and his song writing was impacted immensely by the journey. The country western spin he put on his acoustic driven melodies gave way to a more breezy European pop and Rouse's style was reborn. For Andrew Sisk - a.k.a. Share - the move may have only been one province to the left instead of across the Atlantic, but the rewards were just as fruitful.

As Sisk finds a new life in Montreal, it's quite obvious the language, architecture and lifestyle of the city have already changed his point-of-view. Instead of the lush, full band tracks he penned with help from the Forward Family for Slumping in your Murals, Sisk strips everything back to nylon stringed guitars, simple programming and the support of a few new friends. Sisk handles the dramatic shift nicely on this three-song EP. Opening with a more standard, country-indie rock effort - A Pause - the fantastic steel work Mike Feuerstack (Snailhouse) delivers is as comforting as an old sweater for fans of Sisk's previous releases, but without question it's the last two tracks that really showcase the new sound.

Brisé is an almost weightless melody that floats over top of some simple programming, but really lets Sisk and Miranda Durka's traded vocals steal the spotlight. You might be tempted to think that Andrew moved to Montreal and stumbled on someone's collection of French pop, but to me it feels more like he's finding his stride in a new city, without forgetting his roots. The bossa nova influence and bi-lingual vocals feel natural, not forced and everything comes together on the shaker heavy closing number, Et Cetera. Vibraphone dances behind the vocals, simple picked and strummed notes keep you moving forward but it's how well Durka and Sisk work together that makes the song something more than the sum of it's minimal parts.

Coco et Co.; it's only 3-songs and doesn't even reach 9-minutes, but Sisk has sent notice that he is sampling from a new inspirational reservoir and I for one can't wait to see where his journey takes him. Even better? Forward Music is giving you this snappy EP for the low, low cost of free. So head over and hear for yourself.

MP3:: Share - Et Cetera

MP3:: Share - A Pause

MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/andrewsisk
D/L:: http://www.forwardmusicgroup.com/albums/cocoetco.zip

Old School Mondays:: R.I.P. T-Bone Wolk Edition

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:59:00 +0000

Who is Tom "T-Bone" Wolk, you ask? Well he was mostly widely known as being a longtime member of Hall & Oates' backing band, but he was a busy musician who worked with a number of other artists, both in-studio, and in live settings. Unfortunately, T-Bone passed away a few weeks ago due to a heart attack, which was crushing news for both Hall and Oates, and really anyone who, like myself, had come to know T-Bone by watching Live From Darryl's House.

Our love for the H&O here at the hill has been well-documented (by us), but how can even we tie in the passing of their bass player to old school hip hop? Well, it's rather simple, as the link is right in T-Bone's own bio:

"For those of you don't know, T-Bone Wolk is that guy with "the hat" who, among other activities, has been playing bass guitar with Daryl Hall and John Oates since 1981. He originally got the gig after playing bass on the first gold rap record, "These Are The Breaks", by Kurtis Blow in early 1981."

There you have it, a sad bit of awesomeness, but awesomeness all the same. I don't think we've ever posted The Breaks before, and so even though it is a somber occasion, it still seems like a perfect time to put it up. So here it is, along with a couple other jams from Kurtis' first album: Rappin' Blow (Part 2) which is essentially The Breaks part 2, which I don't think I've ever heard before, and Blow's Message-esque Hard Times. Enjoy, and R.I.P. T-Bone.

MP3:: Kurtis Blow - The Breaks

MP3:: Kurtis Blow - Rappin' Blow (Part 2)

MP3:: Kurtis Blow - Hard Times

Reviews:: The Consulate General Person Number

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:24:00 +0000

Alex Chen is a man that sees beauty in what most of us take for granted or chose to avoid. Whether it's his visual art or his music, he searches for inspiration in areas most people walk past with our heads down and consumed by our complaints and complacency.

That's why when Alex sent over his solo work - under the moniker The Consulate General - it wasn't surprising to hear that he took another step back from the minimal electro-pop his creates as a member of Boy in Static. Gone are the stabbing strings and uptempo, intricate programmed beats that grabbed your ear and without question, the journey he makes as The Consulate General, albeit just as meticulously arranged, seems more personal and introverted.

The record moves at a reserved pace, almost as if Chen is afraid to speed his gate and miss something. From the opening moments of What Time is it Now - the terrific duet with Antoine Bedard (Montag) - until the closing note, Chen uses playful instruments like the triangle, toy pianos, and chimes to support his vocals, strings and programming, but never gives in the temptation to crank up the BPM and rely on energy to win over the listener. The result is you have a chance to focus on the incredibly personal admissions he offers up (Have You Seen My Girl would get lost without the melancholic composition he attaches to it).

That's not to say he doesn't fuse tracks with enjoyable juxtapositions that will charm his audience, he just approaches the conquest in a more one-on-one way. The strings he throws into the IDM heavy 65 or Older gives the track a symphony feel that carries over nicely to picked strings that balance out the heavier bass he experiments with on Half-Day Honeymoon and the delightful Sweet Solano, but the songs won't transfer to party atmospheres or even sunshine filled day. No, Person Number is created for headphones and uses (and almost requires) all 13 songs to let Chen express himself and draw you in, and while understated the results are interesting, accessible and surprisingly engaging.

MP3:: The Consulate General ft. Montag - What Time is it Now
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/theconsulategeneral
WEB:: http://www.theconsulategeneral.com/

Sunday Morning Coffee:: Soft Copy

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:02:00 +0000

It's hard not to get nostalgic as Thrush Hermit preps to descend on Halifax in a mere six days. Not just for the band, but for the time and most importantly, the feelings we all took from those angular guitar anthems that seemed so plentiful only 5 years ago. Thankfully, as more and more acts hold onto the "quiet is the new loud", there are still a few acts like Toronto's Soft Copy that plug in and give fans heavy tracks with a sweet, pop center.

This three piece eschews superfluous layers for straight forward bass, drums and guitar anthems. They crunch, chug and shimmer, but the powerful trio writes hooks and choruses that keep you singing along. Vicious Modernism is the type of record that could have shaped your musical personality back when people bought records hoping to find something to hold onto, not just download and discard with little thought.

Even outside of the record, which is worth grabbing as soon as you can find a copy, First Date is one of the catchiest songs I've heard all year. Starting with soft drums, the shimmering guitar notes dance nicely before the band explodes into a driving hook. Timing out after an all too brief 2:26, this songs shows that Soft Copy isn't going to let guitar rock die... and for that we should all be thankful.

MP3:: Soft Copy - First Date

MP3:: Soft Copy - Extracurricular
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/softcopy

Contest:: Win 2tix to see The Warped 45s @ The Seahorse

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:15:00 +0000

So, we have a few big shows coming up here in Halifax. Obviously, next weekend is going to be insane with the Thrush Hermit reunion shows, but for those unfortunate cats that didn't get tickets, I will humbly suggest people venture to The Seahorse to check out Toronto's The Warped 45s.

When I reviewed their debut LP - 10 Day Poem For Saskatchewan (review) - I was pretty impressed with their gritty roots sound. Since that time, The Warped 45s have won some prizes and got some high praise. Needless to say, I highly suggest you check this one out. They are playing with Andrew Hunter and the Gatherers and Carleton Stone.

All you need to do is send us an email with your contact info (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or just leave the details in the comments section below. In the mean time, check out the terrific video for Radio Sky to get an idea about what these young TO-ers are all about.

MP3:: The Warped 45s - Don't Blame the City (live off the floor demo)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thewarped45s
WEB:: http://thewarped45s.com/wordpress/

Countdown:: Thrush Hermit Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:36:00 +0000

Who's up for a Thrush Hermit post that features herohill co-founder Shawn Lapaix, WITH VIDEO! What? The Ack did exactly such a post this morning you say? Oh, well, you can never have too many posts like that in my humble, so let's get to it.

Unless you have stumbled on the hill via some kind of really-awesome random web surfage, you are aware that Thrush Hermit will be commencing their mini-reunion tour next weekend, and we've been counting down the weeks until showtime with some fun reminiscing about our experiences with our fellow Halifax West, Class of '93 (Yes, 1993, don't act so surprised, we're still hip to the jive) alumnus's. So then, more Herohill vs. Thrush Hermit fun facts!

1. Sure, Thrush Hermit was on the Mallrats soundtrack, but I once appeared in an independent film with Ian McGettigan. It's called Teddy Roper and the Jade Buddha. Ian played a French-Canadian, wife-beating tire factory employee. I wore shorts, a floor length faux-fur and a red beret. It is as amazing as it sounds.

2. Herohill co-founder Shawn Lapaix remains incredibly tight with the band to this day. No only did he go on one of their American tours as their merch guy, but he also stars in their video for On The Sneak. That's him in the yellow flipping the breakin' funk in the openning shot. (As the awesome vid in Ack's post this morning reminded me, he also starred with them in a stirring short called Thrush Hermit vs. The Drunken Master).

Great stuff right? Anyway, on to the important facts, first of all, the show dates:

March 18, Moncton, NB @ The Manhattan
March 19, Halifax, NS @ Paragon Theatre
March 20, Halifax, NS @ Paragon Theatre
March 23, Waterloo, ON @ Starlight Social Club
March 24, Peterborough, ON @ Historic Red Dog
March 25, Ottawa, ON @ New Capital Music Hall
March 26, Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace
March 27, Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace
March 28, Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace (all ages)

I have no cold hard facts, but I wouldn't be surprised if many of these are sold out by now, but it's certainly worth investigating (The Halifax shows are, but hopefully you'll see the Ack and I rocking out at the Friday night show). All is not lost if you can't make it to the shows, just keep your eyes peeled on Joel's New Scotland Records, as they are putting out an epic 7(!) disc box set of Thrush Hermit's complete recordings, so you can still get all the hermit you can handle. Now then, here's On The Sneak, the vid (and song) that features the afore-mentioned Mr. Lapaix, and the lesser known Take Another Drag which I just discovered and am posting because apparently it was put out by something called Bong Load Records, which is solid. Enjoy.

MP3:: Thrush Hermit - On The Sneak

MP3:: Thrush Hermit - Take Another Drag

VIDEO:: Thrush Hermit - On The Sneak

Reviews:: Walter Schreifels An Open Letter To The Scene

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:06:00 +0000

In the last few years, the concept of an open letter has evolved from poignant criticism or observation to a default mechanism for forced comedy akin to bashing hipsters and making videos/images of cats for satire. In the hands of most, the results are at best disappointing (at worst, rage inducing) but when done right, the message can be biting and engaging.

So when criminally underrated rocker Walter Schreifels (Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools and Walking Concert) decided to name his latest LP, An Open Letter to the Scene, it could only go one of two ways. Thankfully, instead of an angry rant to the kids of today, this letter reads like a "how-to" for any artist looking to tackle the indie folk rock scene.

Walter has seen more than his fair share of things in the 20 years he's been writing music, and An Open Letter To The Scene shows him aging gracefully without losing his roots. He looks back with a fondness - interesting reworks of Agnostic Front's Sucker City and Don't Gotta Prove It (a song he wrote for CIV) fit perfectly into the record, as does the nostalgic title track - but the record never gets stuck in the past. He manages to add just enough muscle to keep his long time fans happy, but witty tracks like The Ballad of Lil' Kim, touching tributes (Arthur Lee's Lullabye) and reflective moments like Shootout keep Walter's songs fresh.

In the end, Walter accomplishes everything you should with an open letter and more importantly with a solo record. His opinions are presented clearly, without needless screaming or vitriol, but never is the music sacrificed for the message. An Open Letter to the Scene is full of thought provoking observations, hope but the quick hitting 30-minutes are hook laden and always enjoyable. Bloggers and cynics take note; when a seasoned pro takes the time to deliver a piece of art, instead of rushing through a "me first" exhibit, we all win.

Walter Schreifels — Arthur Lee's Lullaby from The Town Pump on Vimeo.

MP3:: Walter Schreifels - Arthur Lee's Lullaby
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/walterschreifelsmusic
BUY:: http://www.bsmrocks.com/main.html

Morning Madness:: unreleased Thrush Hermit & Steve Poltz videos

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The countdown is officially on folk. Next week The Hermit reunion shows will hit Halifax and the mix of nostalgia, rock, and lines shaved into people's head will reach critical mass.

To help get everyone excited, Joel sent over a great video of one of the unreleased gems on the Box Set - out March 17th on New Scotland Records. The video is collection of tour & backstage footage that shows the band back in the day and as they grow older, including MacGetts wearing an outfit that looks like he should be working at a frozen yogurt shop AND A SHIRTLESS SHAWN LAPAIX doing some crazy kung-fu. Exactly.

The song is called In the Morning and shows why people loved and still love The Hermit.

Joel was nice enough to include the new video he and Steve Poltz made for License Plate Eyes. It's song studio footage from Scotland Yard and has some tank tops, moustaches, mesh hats and some Evil Dead style shaky cam work. Again. Gold. Steve's new record - Dreamhouse (review)- is out now on New Scotland Records. I highly suggest you pick it up.

WEB:: http://newscotlandrecords.com/

Quick Hitters:: Circle Research

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:44:00 +0000

I went with some instrumental electronic music for yesterday's post, and because that went so well, I thought I'd do the same today. Of course I base the assertion that yesterday's post went well on nothing but my own opinion, but such is my right as the jerk writing this here post. Anyhoo, today's post comes after I was recently introduced to Toronto production duo Circle Research, who have a new album called Gardiner Express coming out on Urbnet next month.

Circle Research is comprised of longtime friends Nik T and Gil, whose latest album pays homage to their nights spent making the pilgrimage from their home-burb of Etobicoke to downtown Toronto. The duo has all kind of sample-y goodness on their myspace and youtube pages, and it's good stuff in my humble - plenty of hip hop influence evident in it's boom-bappery, but still plenty of other influences on display as well. Apparently they are going even further back to the essence on their new album, leaning heavily on classic analog drum machines & samplers, and I, for one, won't argue with such a tactic.

So if you're in the market for more Canadians who can make the machines sing, or go bleep and blurp in rather pleasing fashion, I'd check out Circle Research (they have a mini-remix version of Yes! available on their myspace, that's a good starting point).

MP3:: Circle Research - Tick Tock

MP3:: Circle Research - Valentine Girl

MP3:: K-Os - 4,3,2,1 (Circle Research Remix)
MYSPACE::www.myspace.com/circleresearch

Swing an EP in my jeep:: Dark Mean and Dave Norris & Local Ivan

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:56:00 +0000

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.

MP3:: Dark Mean - Piano & Beat
WEB:: http://www.darkmean.com/
D/L:: http://darkmean.bandcamp.com/album/music-box-ep-2010

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.

MP3:: Dave Norris & Local Ivan - Look Out!
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/davenorrislocalivan
D/L:: http://davenorrislocalivan.bandcamp.com/album/no-scuttle

Above The Clouds - Cognitive Dissonance

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:39:00 +0000

For the past few days, I've been racked with the kind of strength-sapping stomach virus that makes remembering my own name a chore, but I've had to punch-drunkenly slug away at my job - the one that pays the bills I wish writing this kind of thing would. To aid in that task, I've needed musical assistance, a one album I've been through a few times is Cognitive Dissonance by Above The Clouds, which is the moniker of Ottawa(?) multi-instrumentalist James Hancock.

I became aware of Hancock after reviewing the latest album from Canadian indie hip-hop outfit Kwiz Massturrz, Talkies Ruined My Life In The Pictures. I liked that album pretty much right away, and the lush, mature production on the album was a big reason why. So when Graham from KM mentioned that James had an album of his solo material, I was keen to check it out. My keen-ness was rewarded, as Cognitive Dissonance is a excellent "organic-electronica": a blend of live instrumentation and carefully selected loops, sprinkled with the occasional obscure sample.

It's good stuff, and a perfect companion for my current condition as it's engaging enough to take my focus off of how crappy I currently feel, but it doesn't overpower my weakened synapses. I could toil in the mechanical dreamworld created on The Rise and Fall of Thinking Machines all day - dubby percussion mixed moody synth waves makes a good mix in my humble. And there are plenty of enjoyable contrasts to be found on this EP's seven songs, as the guitar and handclaps groove of Acedia doesn't really match anything else, but it still fits in.

But enough of my belly-aching (Hi-O), James still has this album available as a free download on his site, so go ahead and sample it for yourself.

MP3:: Above The Clouds - Secret Identity Theft
GET IT::www.abovethecloudsmusic.com

Contest:: Win tix to see Jon McKiel @ The Seahorse

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:15:00 +0000

A few months ago I was asked by the National Post to contribute to their "put your stock in a musician" series. With all the incredible talent across this country and hidden away from the masses here on the East Coast, the options were high, but I settled on Halifax's Jon McKiel.

Jon's last record was a solid collection of indie rock anthems, but any of his new material that's leaked out shows he's really found his stride. Jon's experimenting with heavier, sludge filled riffs but hasn't lost his love of hooks and harmonies.

So, why not take advantage of seeing him unleash some of his new songs when he plays The Seahorse on Friday March 12th with Babette Hayward and herohill favs Cousins. All you have to do is send us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or drop your pertinents in the comment section. Thursday afternoon we will make like Biz Markie, go up our nose and pick a winner.

We also want to take the time to give you all a super sneak preview of Jon's new work. Here's the demo version of Iceman, a track from his upcoming album. It's got a tight bass line, lots of nice feedback and some subtle, but spot on female backing harmonies. It's noisy and catchy, so basically I challenge you to listen to this 4-minutes of music and not want to see him live. Your move loyal blog reader... your move.

MP3:: Jon McKiel - Iceman
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/jonmckiel

Contest:: Win (5) copies of The Burning Hell This Charmed Life

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:10:00 +0000

UPDATE - all 5 copies are now gone. Thanks for entering.

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/

Quick Hitters:: Eli & Papillon

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:42:00 +0000

When I went up to M for Montreal this year, I was shocked by how much Francophone talent the festival delivered. Obviously, the talent exists, but on a casual listen it's so easy to dismiss the French speaking acts in our country by assuming that the language barrier makes it impossible to make a connection with the songs.

Instead, bands like Eli & Papillon work hard to force that connection on you. Elise's voice moves with an emotion and charm that helps you understand what she is saying, even if you only pick up a few words. Like a traveler in a foreign country, the romanticism you feel from catching the odd sentence as you walk by conversation after conversion puts you inside even the most personal admissions and helps you become invested in the broken hearts these two young artists bring to the plate.

But truthfully, even if you missed every word, this bedroom pop duo would still tug at your heart strings. It's hard not to hear the piano and Elise's charismatic vocals on L'aurevoir and not feel your heart beating along with the song. The song blossoms into a theatrical, almost magical effort but still manages to keep at least one toe on the ground.

For such a young act, the diversity they provide is impressive. Layers of strings, piano, guitar, bass and vocals mesh nicely - case in point the playful, uptempo Train de Vie (the laugh at the end just kills me or the swirling Un peu d'espoir - but they know when to strip everything back to the core elements as well. The piano and guitar pop gem, Une fois de trop is as straight forward as any track you will hear from the duo, but impact is surprisingly powerful.

I don't want to steep this review in hyperbole. The rough recordings of a bedroom pop act shows the band still has plenty of room to grow, but it's rare I get demos in the mail these days and instantly see the potential of a pop act trying to carve their own sound. Elise and Marc are certainly not interested in sounding like every other pop act out there right now, and that is the type of courage and creativity that can turn a bedroom pop band into something special. I for one, and excited to see where this ends up.

MP3:: Eli & Papillon - L'aurevoir

MP3:: Eli & Papillon - Train de Vie
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/elietpapillon

What's This, A Party?:: Root Down & The Shining Path

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ok, due to some busy-ness last weekend, we didn't get and remix goodness posted for you fine folks last weekend. That won't do, so we're making it up to you with a double dose today. Neither has any Canadian content, but they are both pretty great in my humble, so I don't foresee much complaining.

We posted NY producer 5 Alive's K'Naan remix a month or so ago, and to show his gratitude, Mike sent us a few more of his creations. One of which happens to mix the Beasties Root Down with the infamous Michael McDonald sample that was likely already famous, but Warren G made famous-er. Well, seeing as how the hill loves both the Beasties and Regulate, this was a no-brainer to post - it just took a little while to get up. It's a good one, I think you'll enjoy it.

The next song is a little more current, but just as good. I've been an RJD2 fan for quite some time, so it's been good to see people excited about RJ's new album, The Colossus. There's another NY producer who's also excited about this album: Alan Wilkis, who recently sent us his remix of The Shining Path, which is a really smoothed out, jazzy take on the song and it suits Phonte Coleman's vocals to a T. Another really good song and remix for you, so enjoy it, and your weekend.

MP3:: Beastie Boys - Root Down (5 Alive Remix)
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/5alivenyc

MP3:: RJD2 - The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/alanwilkis

Quick Hitters:: Madeline adams/Your Heart Breaks/Karl Blau Tour EP

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:23:00 +0000

These days we don't sample from musical reservoir located South of the Border much. Too many bands, not enough posts kind of thing I guess. That being said, there are still a few artists that without fail, get instant attention from the hill. One of those artists is Karl Blau.

Blau, and really the whole Anacortes scene - anything Phil Elverum touches, Ben Kamen, Your Heart Breaks and of course, honorary Washington-ians Julie Doiron and Fred Squire - have always managed to blend lo-fi aesthetic with warming textures and depth.

Back in '08, Karl, Clyde Peterson and Madelaine got together to record a special tour EP. Obviously, the tour only CDR was tough to get a hold of, so the pretty special six-song offering went largely unnoticed. That was until this press release came from Madelaine's camp:

In the summer of 2008, Orange Twin Records artist Madeline toured the Pacific Northwest with friends Clyde Peterson (Yr Heart Breaks) and Karl Blau (solo artist, Mt. Eerie, Little Wings, D+). While hanging out in Anacordes, Washington they dropped by a local artist collective called The Department of Safety to play around in Kevin Erickson’s studio.

Friends like Phil Elverum (Mt. Eerie) and Gus Franklin (Architecture in Helsinki) dropped in and out of the studio all night to play along on drums, guitars, horns and casio keys. The resulting Tour EP has all the low-fi charm you would expect from a k-records style production, which works as an amazing juxtaposition to Madeline’s bell-voiced love songs.

Honestly, the talent packed into that studio and on these songs is enough to get anyone to listen, even someone like me that had never heard any of Madelaine's previous efforts. The three trade vocals, with Madelaine taking lead on three songs, Peterson on two and Karl delivering a terrific cover of Richmond Fontaine's Post to Wire with Madelaine, but the songs fit together like the beginning stage of a jenga tower. The EP is full of warm, casio beats and strong vocals but it's the way the vocals still manages to shine through that helps the songs hit home. The purity of Madelaine's soars above the infectious programming, hand claps and acoustic flourishes on the catchy as hell Boy you loved to watch me cry and isn't just a perfect introduction to the Athen's based singer, but also to the project in general.

Carl follows up with Holding on, another keyboard driven sad song but the real standout on this EP is the beautiful I Waited All Day. The piano ballad gives Madelaine the freedom to let her voice grab the spotlight, but she's supported nicely by well placed horns. The three-minute track stings you like a jab to the heart and really makes me realize I need to get a copy of Madelaine's upcoming album, White Fang.

MP3:: Madelaine, Your Heart Breaks & Karl Blau - I Waited All Day
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/madelinesongs
BUY:: http://www.madelinesongs.com

Video Hits:: Zeus, Owen Pallett, Joel Plaskett, THT, Caribou

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:13:00 +0000

It's Thursday, which means videos here on the hill, and I'm not exaggerating even slightly when I say that this is easily the greatest blog post containing five Canadian music videos ever! Wait, scratch that, I just noticed it's all dudes, so I am likely exagerating a little bit, but it's damn good! (I think I'll have an all-female version of video hits next week, so hit me off with suggestions).

But come now, anyone could see the quality on display down below, both in the audio and the visuals. I think my favorites are the partially animated clips from hill-faves Zeus and Hours Traffic, but the rest are just as good. There's something un-hinged about the art house movie-esque video for Owen Pallet's Lewis Takes Off His Shirt, but it seems to fit the song perfectly. Things are slightly more hinged in the video for the like-able-as-ever Joel Plaskett's You Let Me Down, but I think most of us Haligonians mainly enjoy it because it features two of the city's most antiquated sports facilities (The Forum and Huskies Stadium). To wrap things up we have the haunting video for Caribou's Odessa, a song that I used to think of as a feel good, body movin' little number. Not anymore.

Enjoy the vids!

Zeus - Marching Through Your Head

MP3:: Zeus - Marching Through Your Head
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/themusicofzeus

Owen Pallett - Lewis Takes Off His Shirt

MP3:: Owen Pallett - Lewis Takes Off His Shirt
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/owenpallettmusic

Joel Plaskett - You Let Me Down

MP3:: Joel Plaskett - You Let Me Down
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/joelplaskett1

Two Hours Traffic - Noisemaker

MP3:: Two Hours Traffic - Territory
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/twohourstraffic

Caribou - Odessa

MP3:: Caribou - Odessa
MYSPACE:: www.myspace.com/cariboumanitoba

Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:59:00 +0000

I'm an unapologetic Tom Waits fanatic. Everything about the man - from his music, to his persona, and even his eye for photos - just strikes a chord with me, so much that hearing anyone with a gruff voice described as Waits-y or some hybrid thereof (the ole whiskey worn or gargling glass voice) turns me off an artist before I even hear them. I usually turn to the terrific line from Matt Arbogast of The Gunshy, "this fucker sounds just like Tom Waits, Do we need another Tom Waits?”

The thing is, Waits trademark voice is only part of the equation. The music that accompanies his gruff delivery is of equal importance. That's why when you find an artist talented enough to deserve the comparison - like Halifax resident Ben Caplan - you start to look past the powerful voice and fixate on the notes that accompany it.

Caplan and his talented band - The Casual Smokers - will undoubtedly garner review after review build around on his voice, but even when they deliver the roughest of bar room stomps, there is a surprising depth and musicianship to the songs. Stand up bass, classical trained strings (violin and cello), flute, sax and terrific use of call and response sing-along choruses all help Caplan and the Casual Smokers stand out from the masses influenced by the same sounds.

They recorded a few songs in The Chapel at the University of King's College in Halifax and mixed them the next day. Considering the tight time lines, the result - three songs: Conduit, Beautiful and Stranger - capture the energy of the band and show the potential of the upcoming full length they have slated for later in the year. The five minute Stranger finds the band moving at a restrained pace, heightening the tension before Caplan's voice explodes and dares the strings and flute to balance the effort. Beautiful shows what happens when Caplan opts for a smoother, more melodic delivery and shows the band is more than a one trick pony.

I know it's hard to judge a band on a recording session that was turned out for grants in less than 48 hours, but the interesting dichotomy works and this new band is the type of discovery that keeps us blogging. For those lucky readers here in Halifax, Ben and his band of noise makers are ready to tear up the tiny Company House stage on Friday night. I'd highly recommend showing up.

MP3:: Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers - Stranger
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/bencaplanmusic

Parkas - You Should Have Killed Us When You Had The Chance

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:11:00 +0000

The first hump day in March here in Halifax called for a very specific soundtrack this morning. Spring is coming, but there's still a fairly bitter chill in the air, so I searched for a band whose name reminded me of winter, but whose music could energize me and get me prepped for the warm weather on the horizon. And preferably, the artwork from said band's most recent album could have some sort of Napoleonic cat on the cover. I'll admit I thought that finding such a thing would be impossible, but into that void stepped You Should Have Killed Us When You Had The Chance from southern Ontario foursome Parkas.

Ordinarily finding an album that matches such an eclectic set of criteria would be a victory, but this is a bittersweet one, because, as anyone familiar with the band knows, this was the groups farewell album. This is a shame, because listening to You Should Have Killed Us a few times today brings to mind a band hitting their stride - indie pop sensibilities mixed with 90's riffs and catchy hooks aplenty, it's really an enjoyable listen in my humble. So it's a shame the Parkas are no more, but thanks to the miracle of recorded sound, you can treasure this, and their previous albums, forever. And here's hoping some/all of them are still making music and not toiling with the rest of us in the dreaded "real world".

MP3:: Parkas - The Gang's All Gone
MYSPACE::www.myspace.com/theparkas

Plants & Animals:: Tom Cruz

noreply@blogger.com (ack) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:30:00 +0000

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/

The Nope - Melba

noreply@blogger.com (naedoo) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Posting time is tight right now for yer man Naedoo, as I try to run the gauntlet between impending moves in real life and blog life (former: we're building a new house, latter: we are moving this baby to Wordpress as we speak), and so you can expect a steady diet of this here kind of post. What kind of post is it? Simply one where I tell you about a group, album, or song, then tell you it's good, and you take it from there. I get a post up, you get music without all my usual waffle. It's win and then win again.

Today's group then? It's The Nope, which is a duo comprised of Psy from the Oddities and Canada's rap endurance champ, Moka Only. Their debut album, Melba came out on Urbnet in December, and if you like anything in Moka's substantial back-catalog, you're gonna be saying Yep to The Nope in a hurry. After all, according to their bio, the guys aren't trying to break any ground here:

As The Nope emcee Psy shares, "We're exactly the same as every other music group you've ever heard before. So, prepare for absolute boredom." For once, a rapper tells the truth.

Certainly a little bit of the facetiousness in there, as they play on the fact that so much hip hop does sound alike in '010, but there's no much boredom to be found. What you can find is Moka's trademark chugging grooves in their production, and Psy is a perfect lyrical foil for Ron Contour, as they are both able wrap the lightest of lyrics around the most mundane topic.

It's good springtime music, this, so go check it out.

MP3:: The Nope - Rain All Day
MYSPACE::www.myspace.com/itsthenope
GET IT::thenope.bandcamp.com