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Band Members:
Patrick "Scary Only" Hart-Bass
Johnny "Kong" Rowe-Drums
Dave "Fultonstein' Fulton-Guitar
Ryan Shaw -Vocals
There seems to be a lot of tribute bands around these days. Typically I am not normally a fan of them, especially when they are butchering some of my all time favorite bands. Though they try their damnedest, there aren’t a lot of great ones. Skulls are the exception to this rule. Skulls are a Misfits Tribute Band who makes fans of the Misfits proud.
When I first heard them belt out Misfits songs such as Hate Breeder or Skulls, I breathed a very, very long sigh of relief. Finally a band that was not only paying homage to one of the best Punk bands of all time, they were doing it using god given talent, style and pizzazz. I know pizzazz is an odd word to use to describe someone tributing The Misfits, but these guys have it.
Skulls have only been around since 2008, but they play like a band that has been playing together for decades. Skulls have played at venues such as The Bovine Sex Club, Annex Wreckroom and the Rivoli, but from my point of view should be playing bigger gigs with bigger audiences. I hope the future holds bigger and better things for this incredible band.
Bio
What is it about a band that started out over 30 years ago and is still beholden to their legions of fans? How can something that is based on a horror comic from the 1950s still capture the imagination of today’s culture? Why do people get energized, invigorated and go completely wild over songs that last a mere minute? Skulls is a Misfits tribute band from Toronto that was established in 2008 to bring people back to a time when horror punk was a new wave of music coming out in 1977, the year the Misfits were originally formed by Glen Danzig. Skulls take great pride and effort into their live shows, capturing the look, feel, sound and ambience of what it would have been like to see the early days of the Misfits. When seeing Skulls perform live you get the sense that they have a genuine love and feel for the music they pattern after, given the energy they exude onstage. All the band members are accomplished musicians and no detail is spared in their performance and stage show. Whether you are young enough to not have seen the original Misfits play or are one of the feinds that did see them in the late 70s, Skulls will not disappoint. They will have you singing along to every song, banging your head with fists in the air and screaming out for more.
Tracks
Out In Time
I Feel Better Now
Can You Keep A Secret ?
You Took My Ball Away
Teenage Party Girl
Marilyn
Corina
Good News
Weekend Warrior
Monday Morning
Let me confess my prejudices yet again that I LOVE power pop or pop rock or whatever spin you want to put on the title of this genre of rock-- so I am easily seduced; whereas if it is Rap or Hip Hop or Country it takes a lot to make my heart to disengage it's usual skeptical standoffish stance.
So when I was sent the new CD by The Ontario band, The Populars by my editor at Lipstik Indie, I was already in their camp respectively and waiting for the tunes to zing me into the stratosphere which I am pleased as punch to say their album succeeded in doing.
The Populars are Ontario based power rock trio: two of whose members drummer Ernie Basiliadis and guitarist Dave Klym originally hail from the oil slicked plains of Alberta sound; the last member to join being Toronto bassist, Ben Wilson.
The whole enterprise is well produced by Moe Berg formerly of Toronto's own Pursuit of Happiness, one of my Fave bands from the early Nineties. My only caveat is to say that unlike the liner notes observation that the guys were here to 'create a new sound' is that there is nary a single new note, melody, sound being conjured on this CD by messers Berg and his progeny-- all been done before and all been heard before. Really though, this is actually a very small criticism as that comment goes for most of the product of the entire music industry over the last 15 years-- Grunge being the supposedly newest thing way back when-- actually even Grunge itself was a gigantic step backward in sound and fury signifying nada but I digress.....
Suffice it to say that The Populars have Synthesized their influences (The Ramones, Dead Kennedys et al) to credible Pop effect and all the tracks are very listener friendly to a great degree. A Pill for Every One being their second full length CD.
The limitations of a power pop trio format are obvious especially if you take alive-to-the-floor attitude in recording tunes as they have done--- no matter what pill you are offering the sound remains the same.
The title of the CD is excellent on its own terms and is admittedly served well in pop rock terms for melodically hummable tracks like, I Feel Better Now, You Took My Ball Away, Teen Age Party Girl and Good News. It is also a nice coloration to hear keyboards straight out of the Split Enz/Elvis and The Attractions in The Populars songs like Marilyn and Corina. There is also an abundance of trenchant social comment in the lyrics of songs like Teen Age Party Girl, Weekend Warrior and Good News.
Forget about the bands' hyperbole about new sounds, this CD is a very good on its own ground so two thumbs up from this reviewer. Check out this group when they are playing in Toronto next time too, as I will!!
Tracks
Drunk Stranger
Take it Easy
Bad to the Bone
Beat, Beat, Beat
Website: www.francisishere.com
Now this has to be one of the absolute craziest bands I have heard in a while. With a circus/cabaret feel “Francis” may just be one of my new favorite bands. Songs like Beat, Beat, Beat showcases the lead singers fun and creative vibe.
Since the bands first release in 2006 Bad to the Bone you can see the awesome development that has occurred! The music has taken on a life of its own and they have almost created their own genre of music which is super exciting to see. Rock on!
Check out their website at www.francisishere.com (for more info, press pictures and more)
Bio
Francis originate from the darkest woods of Sweden. The band has been around since 2006 and released their first single “Bad to the Bone” on the Swedish label Gravitation in 2008. Francis sound is best described as Max Martin high on mushrooms making sweet love to Kurt Weil. In the next months Francis will also release an EP recorded this fall. The bands live performance has been described as an unleashed Tasmanian Devil singing heartbreaking gospel songs.
Here we have an all girl band, an all girl punk/rock band, and all girl punkin band, who not only look great but sound remarkable as well. And they are from Toronto. Nominated thrice for Toronto and Ontario Independent Music Awards, Fidget took the win for Best Punk at the OIMA in October 2008 where they punctuated the ceremonies with a smashing performance.
Teresa Hart, guitarist for the multi-honoured Toronto-based punk group Fidget is amazing, add to that their awesome drummer, keyboard, bass player, well, a sound is born, and all I can say is this band is talented, with musicians who are exceptional. Their sound has been crafted as their own, and finding uniqueness in this world of over saturated Indie/Rock and Punk band combinations is rare. Their range in all aspects is remarkable, and hard to match.
Now let’s talk about the composition, lyrically speaking Ms Legault warmly sings that she hates it when she is 'dating a sociopath' and 'My friends think you're an asshole', coming from a voice so sweet you almost miss what she is saying, which is what makes this so intriguing. All writers know that we write what we know and experience, and being a woman I can relate to a lot of what is being said and told here, in the story that is their song.
They have recently signed a worldwide distribution deal thus it would appear that once again a Canadian act will come to gain approval in its own country AFTER doing so internationally.
"The honours we've enjoyed so far include being featured on Womenrockradio.com, Chickradio.it, featured (coming soon) on Humber College's radio station, having our music considered for placement in the upcoming movie Never Submit, making it to the Ontario Final of Emergenza, the final of the Paragon TV Band Competition but of course we're most honoured by far by the wonderful fans who keep us going with their cheers and support!!! We're putting everything we've got into putting new tunes out for y'all and we're movin' on up!" Says Nicole.
Brilliant band, I will be checking out their next show, and telling all my friends to stop fidgeting and check them out!!!
Check out more on upcoming shows for Fidget at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=93121036
Tracks
Let’s go all the way
Sociopath
Blah Blue
Come Free
Ripple in the Water
Jump Ship and Swim
Molly
Nothin Goin on
Bruises
Bad nooz
The Black Atlantic features Geert van der Velde, former vocalist for melodic hardcore pioneers Shai Hulud. I was expecting something different for certain, given Shai Hulad’s usual guttural screams and thick memorable meltdowns. What emerged instead was a softer Indie sound. The songs are not exciting enough to call unique, but it is well done and generally speaking they flow nicely enough, and there is something about the sound that can be defined as different, so it was an attention-grabbing experience.
Geert's lyrics weave to and fro between ordinary and quite good, and I only say this because lyrical sound of Geert from the past is still in my head, and going from heavy to soft does not often work. There is some good stuff here, not to be missed, and I was impressed that this hard core singer could actually hold his own in a ballad. Maybe love has softened his voice, but all in all the attempt made me want to see what comes next.
With only four songs, it was difficult to get really into this, but I feel like it's a rock-solid start for something more to come. I anticipate phase two.
Check out more on upcoming shows for The Black Atlantic at http://www.myspace.com/theblackatlantic
Tracks
Moving Through a Crowd
To give up the Summit
A Letter in Sonics
The Good Forecast
Ok, the CD cover recycled cardboard. This environmentalist reviewer likes that for starters, and then the music started. This band is everything an Indie band should be. Their sound was unique yet reminiscing of so many other great Indie bands. From Las Angeles CA, the music on So Many Wizard's Tree EP is delightful.
Simply put it is an inspiring wonderful collective of 8 songs that once you listen to, you will find yourself humming them over your morning espresso, downloading them onto your iPod and feeling the urge to add them to your friends list on MySpace.
The music inside features guitars, trumpets, accordions, organs, xylophones, to name a few, it was a spinning smorgasbord of sounds, but not overwhelming in the least. Everything works. And humor, plenty of that. The track “my friends are nice” they don’t bite much, had me chuckling, and thinking of some biting friends of my own. From the track “love is on the way” to “fly a kite” which was my favorite, each song is a story, an unfolding of life, unique and surprising.
Check out more on upcoming shows for So Many Wizards at http://www.myspace.com/somanywizards
Tracks
fly a kite
marion davies
gentle creatures
maneline nancy
im just like you
let’s be friends
love is on the way
my friends are nice
About Little O
Officially formed as 'Little O' in January 2008, Olivia and Rob had been jamming and writing together since shortly after they met in late 2004. When Olivia's former duo, 'Another You', disbanded in mid 2007 the pair decided to develop their natural musical chemistry by playing live together and, on the 25th of October 2007, began playing as a duo performing their own co-written originals. Thus begins the story of Little O. Now in Toronto from New Zealand pursuing their music career, this charming due can be found performing in various small venues across Toronto.
I was lucky enough to come across this duo through a coworker and partner of Olivia right around the same time they finished their first CD. Lucky for me. This is their first EP of 4 songs, all of which are delightful and lovely to listen to. This duo harmonizes wonderfully, as though they had been doing it forever. They obviously have stories to tell, which is evident in each song. Track 2, “I want to kick, ya I want to scream, and I want to sing it to you” are strong lyrics indeed, delivered in a way that have an undertone of the importance of what is being said. That is the gift of acoustic, you are mesmerized by the guitar and the words dance softly around the cords.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first release and will be waiting to see what they do next.
Check out more on upcoming shows for Little o at www.myspace.com/littleoduo
Returning with their new album RepoRepoRepo, their upcoming release since You Are the Jaguar, this amazing band just keeps getting better.
Singer/bassist Rob Higgins and his gang are back at it hard, with an eclectic, punk, fast, sweet bit of rock, a get up and dance bit of magic.
Higgins, who is known for his work with the bands Change of Heart, By Divine Right, Tristan Psionic, Rocket Science, Doctor and for touring with Our Lady Peace as their bass player from time to time, is celebrating his first sophomore album. "I've been fortunate enough to have 6 records released in the 11 years Ive been writing," says Higgins, "but I was never lucky enough to get the chance to create a follow-up."
The first single "Candy Coated" is awesome, with the lyrics of "say my fucking name", jumping out at you, in a great upbeat rocking out song. What can I say, I like profanities. Which apparently they do also, it is all good.
"Who Knows" is another great track which pretty much speaks for itself. It is all about getting older, wiser and maybe more out of the loop. Of course I found most of the tracks laced with metaphors and abstract symbolism, which is at once artsy and dark and appealing. "Unsee" was my personal favourite, they slow it down and sing from the heart, dark and lovely.
Dearly Beloved will continue to tour exploring all possibilities. Audiences will delight at the intense rock, endless notable songs and an enhanced Dearly Beloved that will have you up nodding, bobbing and shaking your booty.
www.dearlybeloved.ca
www.myspace.com/robhiggins
Tracks
Candy Coated / Acceptance Corporation/ Who Knows? / Dress It Up / The Butchers Dog / Fire Escape / Carnivale (Onze) / When the Show is The New Fast / Unsee / Bit My Lip
Ubyk was founded by Russian-born musician Roman Bleum and is augmented by singer/songwriter Samantha Tobey. Taking their name from a Philip K Dick story, this Los Angeles based duo show with ease their dynamic partnering on this amazing acoustic story. The group performs as a two-piece with Roman and singer/songwriter Samantha Tobey sharing both vocal and multi-instrumental duties. The sound is reminiscent of many whimsical duos from the 70’d, whose love of the music echo’s in each song. Bleum’s calming vocal delivery perfectly compliments the band’s basic, yet clever, musical rudiments.
'Work' is a wonderful piece, capturing the dullness of a 9 ‘til 5. That feeling we all know, “there must be more to life than this day after day sameness” feeling. Bleum’s languid prose is whipped into submission by a furious paced guitar, that makes me think of those days in the office when I would daydream about being elsewhere, or better yet sneaking a walkman into my ear drums to listen to something this perfect. But I digress!!
'Merry Go Round' and 'Delicate Swarm' are hippy laced, vibrant, and meaningful with the pulsating interaction between Topey and Bleum who perform as though they had been doing so for ever. This is more than the 70’s, this is refreshingly 2008, at its acoustic best.
While bringing out a sense of nostalgia in me, it also made me acutely aware I had not heard anything like this in some time. It is haunting at times, but never frightening.
Ubyk has toured the South/Northwest in the summer/fall of 06 in support of their first EP "work".
The band has just completed recording of a new EP with producer Alex Newport which will be available for purchase and download in Jan!!!
Check out more on http://www.myspace.com/ubyk
reviewed by viki ackland
The CD cover is the Davenport sign here in Toronto, and being a Toronto girl this has a comforting appeal. Josh Hicks, in 1998, rented a house at the corner of Ossington and Davenport. The house became a place for musicians to hang out and Chris found himself there rehearsing often, which led to him moving in there and the house becoming home. A place to write music, share ideas and finally start recording this CD.
Chris Staig first gained notice in the Toronto music scene as the guitarist for Taxi Chain. His three year tenure with the bagpipe funksters was marked by incessant touring from Quebec to Texas. The 1996 release of BAGPIPE JUKEJOINT (Distribution Fusion III) gave many people their first taste of Staig’s gritty guitar playing.
Staig’s next major project was the pop-rock combo Rockboy. Their EP TURNTABLE scaled the charts of campus radio stations in the spring of ‘98. Chris was singled out especially for his “extremely well delivered imagery” (Annex Gleaner) and his “throat wrenching vocals” (Spill Magazine). Stymied by his Rockboy collaborators’ indifference to additional live work and mystified by their growing interest in well paying day jobs and stable personal relationships, Staig hoisted the solo sail in 1999.
Chris has an interesting sound, a sort of Neil Young mixed with a young Steve Forbert, and the lyrics to all the songs are remarkable and real. That is the appeal of this CD, it is as real as it gets, with the musician friends connecting on many levels here.
The first track “rock ‘n’ roll holiday” is a catchy story, and a great start to this CD.
Track four “all I need is you” is great and the title speaks for itself. My favorite track is “another year.” Track nine shows a softer side with ‘Keys.” All the tracks are original and enjoyable to listen to, Chris clearly having a gift for story telling.
I don’t think Chris needs to worry about being different; this CD is a breath of fresh air. For a list of upcoming shows check out his website http://www.chrisstaig.com/index.htm
Tracks
Rock ‘n’ Roll Holiday
Fell off the Wagon
Time won’t leave you
All I need is You
Celia
Graduation Day
I want to be different
Another Year
Keys
Catherine
Look me in the eye
reviewed by viki ackland
This band has it all, and this singer, song writer, is an amazing breath of fresh air. Peter Katz is a true troubadour with a great voice and lyrics which are brilliantly descriptive. He can rock or capture you instantly with his soft rockabilly sound, and it is all about one thing, the lyrics. His band is a great mix of talent that works well together, creating a jazz-folk-acoustic pop sound.
Peter Katz is the winner of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award and the Grand Prize Winner of Toronto's IndieWeek. Recent activity for Peter Katz includes 2 successful national solo tours (100+ dates in 2006), invitations to play at such festivals as The Ottawa Folk Fest, Canadian Music Week, NXNE (for which he scored a 91 % on his Chart Attack report card), back to back sold-out shows at the Rivoli in Toronto, an invitation to perform for 2 weeks at the prestigious Karmina Palace in Manzanillo, Mexico as well as a special invitation by the National Arts Center to play in Vimy, France as part of the 90th anniversary re-dedication ceremony of the Vimy Monument. Katz has also managed to land several strong support spots with such notable artists as Bedouin Soundclash, The Cat Empire, Matthew Barber, Tokyo Police Club, Danny Michel, Melissa McClelland, Tomi Swick and Emm Gryner.
In addition to his blossoming music career, Peter Katz has also been receiving considerable attention as a composer, writing music for numerous modern dance choreographers, including Naomi Lebel (OMO Dance Company) & Andrea Spaziani (DanceVein, IDAC). Katz was also recently commissioned to compose an original 30-minute score for renowned international choreographer Meagan O’Shea’s new work “When I See You Again” which premiered at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto as part of the Indie Unlimited Festival.
The first track “ok” showcases his amazing ability to combine words with song and capture the listener. “I do” is a great song which is reminiscent of Martin Sexton. I like each track equally well, but forgiveness seemed to speak volumes to this reviewer. “pictures” and “the dawning” are both powerful and imaginative.
Check out his website for upcoming shows http://www.peterkatz.org/home.html
or his myspace http://www.peterkatz.org/home.html
Tracks
ok
state
posters
these are the days
I do
forgiveness
it’s only wood
pictures
The dawning
More Nights
June 3, 2007
Humming lyrics as a child, or singing solo in a choir, her love of music is clear with this album. With such credits as Berklee College of Music in Boston to Cornish of the Arts in Seattle Washington, this gal can not only sing but her lyrics are poignant and appealing.
With her band consisting of Cody Rahn (War Pigeon/Cuchata) and Ken Jacobson (Seahorse, Furtive Movement) she stands as an accomplished singer and songwriter whose energy is clear. Undertone reveals honest lyrics and a confident voice for one so young.
The first track “moving on” is 51 seconds of one wondering if they had died and gone to heaven. Track three “burn” is a great ballad showcasing the vocals, with poignant lyrics. “More than stones” is a great story about showing oneself to another.” My favorite has to be “Sweet,” been there, done that!!
Her Album is for sale on CDbaby ; www.cdbaby.com/cd/angelareed. She has performed with seasoned artists like the Paul Hanover Band, Kelly Harland and Kenny White.
I have a feeling this is gonna be sweet. Find out more about what is up with Angela on her website www.AngelaReed.com and for more information email her at info@AngelaReed.com
Tracks
Moving On
Undertone
Burn
Skies over Carolinas
Depths of Me
Down the Road
More than stones
Better days
Sweet
Hero
Rollin up the sleeves
Too much to miss
April 20, 2007
Formed by brothers Michael and Mars Ivic in 2004 and hailing from Hamilton these Canadians make Canada proud. With their influences being the leaders of Rock'n'Roll such as the likes of the Beatles, Stones, Cash, Velvet Underground to the children of the musical revolution, the Ramones, Joy Division/New Order, Smiths, Stone Roses, Siouxsie and the Banshees…..the Morning Stars have delivered a record fertile with guitars, lyrical lyrics, and a little something that reminds you of a little something and has you singing long afterwards.
The first track “hearts for the living” is a no nonsense bit of rock and roll, you will immediately sense the timeless era of rock. “You can’t change the world” is a great ballad showcasing the vocals. “Waiting at your door” is a great story and some interesting instrumental playing around in the background.” My favorite has to be “don’t waste your time,” with great poetic lyrics such as “don’t shy, I just need ya”. The final track “fall” is a great acoustic finale complete with heart felt vocals asking the question “who do you think you are.”
Can you change the world? I say yes. Check them out on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/themorningstars or http://www.themorningstars.com/
Tracks
Hearts for the living
Wrong
You can’t change the world
Steal my love
Waiting at your door
All coming down
Don’t waste time
Breaking into your world
Fall
April 20, 2007
Formed in early 2005, Dearly Beloved includes Higgins (lead singer and bass), Niva Chow (vocalist), Damon Richardson (guitar), Alex O’reilly (drums) and John Pogue (guitar). Higgins and Richardson played together in Change of Heart and O'reilly played with Higgins in Doctor. The rest of the band has also worked with each other in various other projects before joining Dearly Beloved. This group of talented friends came together to help Higgins make a record and in the process became musical kin.
The band’s debut, You Are the Jaguar, was written, produced and recorded by Higgins at Orange Studios and in his home studio Phoebe Street.
The first track “the ride” takes you on a fast paced ride right off the bat with great back vocals, reminiscent of the punk rock era, heavy bass riffs, and hard rockin guitar licks. “Manifesto” is a great showing of the guitars and drum talent. “You are the jaguar” is asking the question “what’s up with you? and what can I do for you.” My favorite has to be “the butler routine,” where Rob Higgins shows a softer side. I am a sucker for girl back up vocals and Niva Chow brings a solid, nostalgic feel to each song. Each song is a story and documentation of life, combine that with the catchy vocals and musicians who clearly are at home playing together and you have a great album.
For more info on upcoming shows check out the bands myspace http://www.myspace.com/robhiggins
Tracks
The Ride
Manifesto
You are the Jaguar
Rugged casual sport
The Butler Routine
Queen St. vs. Park Ave.
All points bulletin
Perils of snap decisions
Acquiesce
Noise submitted to order
March 28, 2007
Berlin Boot camp is the third album for Jen Militia, with their Militant soul punk one cannot help get caught up. Front man and lead singer Mike Dainjah has a sexy, verbose, in your face message, and with his power house rhythm section behind him he delivers with the intensity of punk rock, the eloquence of rap with a huge serving of soul tossed in. The way he goes from rapping it out to his soulful rock voice is effortless.
The Trinidad born poet revolted against his first love which was hip hop, to front blues rock band Stone Prophets. Dainjah recruited his best friend, virtuoso guitarist J.Double, powerhouse rhythm section Christion and Kyle Nova, Holla the Entertainer as well as notorious beat jacker Gord Pesst and went to work. The Militant Militia sound was born.
The first track“this is not a test” has a Beastie boys feel to it, moving smoothly between its multi genre messages. This talented singer/songwriter keeps the tracks flowing with the second as “theG7 anthem” which rocks it out. On 'Citizen' he reminisces about being in love with a 'broken girl'. The fourth track “5GF” he fires both barrels, he has "Got 5 girlfriends and no control but the 2 I love best are rock and roll."
Berlin Boot Camp and a national tour coming in January 2007 so check out more on upcoming shows for Jen Militia at http://www.myspace.com/jenmilitia. Jen Militia is here, and they are poetically perilous. And remember, this is not a test.
Tracks
This is not a test
The G7 Anthem
The Circle
5GF
Walk the Line
All my life
Citizen Jane
Diabolical Haters
Wardance
Fight! March! Die!
Fashizm
March 13, 2007
Canada’s Tenth Planet is a great big slice of alternative rock pie, which is both satisfying and decadent. One need only listen to hear the influences of Alice in Chains, Soundgarden with a moody broody quality of Radiohead. Tenth Planet stands strong, offering up intense vocals, whether biting or soft, and all spicily crafted.
Tenth Planet took root in 1998. Rock guitarist Brian Paul, a native of Toronto's far west, had partaken of numerous musical projects and released five albums of his compositions under various monikers prior to meeting Martin Ouellette. Windsor-born and over-trained, Ouellette had sung with symphonies and bar bands and had worked in both acting and writing. Varied name and personnel changes were shortly to follow. In 2000, this duo became a triumvirate with the addition of Nic Vurro, another Toronto native, this time from the far east, and another veteran of the local rock scene as both a lead guitarist and as a bass player; he had also written and recorded soundtrack material for several films. Traditionally-trained drummer Glenn Neath landed shortly afterwards. Neath, who is also from eastern Toronto, played in a slew of bands throughout the mega-city before finally joining forces with Tenth Planet in 2002. The band, with Robert Strauss, produced Tenth Planet's self-titled EP in 2000. The single "Slash of Blue," also included as a bonus track on the group's 2003 Retro Has No Future EP, was selected as the lead-off track for the Indieblast Vol. 4 compilation and received airplay across two oceans with absolutely no label support or professional management. In June of 2003, the song "We are the Cause of Everything" was a weekly winner of Umbrella Music's "Next Level" contest. In May 2004 Tenth Planet was selected to be one of five finalists (recent finalists include the Trews, the Miniatures and Finger Eleven) for 97.7 HTZ FM's Rocksearch 2004 for which they still have not received their appearance fee - so YOUNG BANDS BEWARE. By the end of 2004, the band had sold two thousand copies of the fully independent "Retro Has No Future" EP and had also found a new producer in the Tea Party's Jeff Martin, who helped the band produce a rich, release-ready six-song industry demo. For bookings, contact Ralph James at the Agency Group (Toronto office).
The opening song "Shadow" is a roller coaster ride with biting guitar, inviting all into its 90’s mosh pit. Likewise fiery third track “Ariane" was well crafted with great guitar work and intensity. The ballad "Do You Remain?" gave me a weird nostalgic feeling the first couple seconds, BONO or Michael Hutchence came to mind, and was sufficiently sentimental. Equally strong as a ballad is “we are the cause of everything.”
On the whole this is a self-assured and faultless release from a very confident band, and I look forward to more. Catch them at the Horseshoe Tavern on March 30th. OR check out their future dates on their website http://www.tenth-planet.ca/
February 13, 2007
Ok, the CD cover is pink with a cool pink runners and lipstick. This girl reviewer likes that for starters, but is not sure what could be inside, and boy was she happy. Being a DIY girl I loved the hands on approach to their music.
“me” is the debut CD of a talented trio of Anglo-Irish-Swedish band based in the UK, where they have real tea and apparently great musicians. Catchy, punk rock, art-punk, pop at its best, every track is clever and simple, but not simplistic by any means. Like a small taste now and again of old Demics but with the big difference that you can understand and relate to the lyrics, which are fun and head bobbing in a sign along way.
From the first track “run,run,run,run,run” to the last track “she’s red” this CD is not stop fun. I like each track equally well, and some if not all I found myself singing along. Hell, I like “girls, skirts, boots, bikes” and “one day I’ll say It” each creating delightful imagery. I found myself moshing around my apartment with my cat to “yes, no, stay, go, go , do, don’t, will, won’t.”
Their debut North American release, 'The World According to Buck' EP (released October '05), was playlisted on over 400+ college radio stations throughout the United States and Canada with heavy rotation and chart placements aplenty. In addition, the band was recently nominated as 'Best International Artist' at Toronto Independent Music Awards for the second year in a row. As well as attending the event, Buck Brothers' Andy Duke also presented the award for 'Best Alternative Artist' at the ceremony. Buck Brothers have also been nominated in the same category at Inland Empire Music Awards, Southern California Music Awards and Orange County Music Awards. The band has also performed at NXNE (North By Northeast) - Canada's Largest Music Festival in June 2006. NEMO Festival in Boston, USA recently asked the 3 Bucks to take part in their festivities in September 2006. And Canadian Music Week in Toronto has invited the three lads to strut their stuff at their festival in Toronto in March 2007. The band's full length album, "Me", is released February 2007 in the USA (Coach House Records), UK (Cargo Records/Fading Ways) and Canada (Scratch Records/Fading Ways) with other territories to follow.
Check out more on upcoming shows for Buck Brothers at http://www.buckbrothers.net/
run, run, run, run ,run and by this CD.
Tracks
run, run, run, run ,run
Gorgeously stupid
Which me to you like?
Mannish Girl
Liar
Together we fall
Girls, Skirts, Boots, Bikes
One day I’ll say it
yes, no, stay, go, go , do, don’t, will, won’t
Gatu’ Politik
Wake up call
She’s red
February 13, 2007
EVILS OF THE MODERN PLEASURE DANCE is the debut CD of our fellow Canadian talent, a singer/songwriter who quit his high finance job to pursue his dream of making music. Born in Brantford ON, Peeler got his start on the music scene as the guitarist for “Phineas Gage.” Realizing he had talent as singer and songwriter he began to writing songs for his album “Evils of the modern pleasure dance.” And good thing for us he did.
“Half Past High” asks the questions all of us ponder and times, and this catchy rock tune rose to #1 on the iacmusic.com Big 50 and in 2005 was voted rock song of the year. This talented singer/songwriter keeps the tracks flowing with such tracks as “Lonely Days” a graceful rock ballad. The eighth track “dirty maggie” is strong and powerful. This Canadian has a BIG voice, one you will not soon forget. My favorite song has to be aptly named after the CD “evils of the modern pleasure dance.” He easily moves into strong Ballads with the ease of a veteran, as in “the deal” one of the three hidden tracks.
Check out more on upcoming shows for Peeler at www.myspace.com/peelermusic or www.peeler.ca
I walked away feeling satisfied, and not dirty at all.
Tracks
The Evils of a Modern Pleasure Dance
Pretty little things
Lonely days
Half past high
Last Place
Phineas Gage
The man I need to be
Dirty Maggie
Waiting here
At war with myself
The greatest liars
Dipped in Grey
Perfect
The deal
The deal (lounge mix)
January 4, 2007
The Band Members
Steve Moore - Instrument: Vocals, Guitar, djembe
Bryan Sandau - Instrument: Drums
Scott Taylor - Instrument: Guitar
Jim Fernandes - Instrument: Bass
This politically charged band hails from Calgary. The band was formed in 2001 by Steve Moore, who wrote and recorded the debut album "Solus Verum.” With influences such as Tool, Sepultura, Dillinger Escape Plan, Angeldust-era Faith no More, Machine Head, Dead can Dance, Public Enemy, Refused, Ion Dissonance, the Anti-Doctrine it is not hard to see where this band gets there honest original sound from.
Forceful vocals, rocking bass, a definite message and a high energy sound describe this Canadian rock band Inner Surge. All the tracks I heard were very passionate and innovative, and you can see metal, rock, punk, hardcore and progressive influences in every track. One of my favorites was the track “censored” which is a great almost techno sound complete with an air raid sound effect, airplane and other simulations. Loved “backlash” and “driven” strong, unique and very powerful. This band has an addictive sound, leaving one wanting to hear more.
Inner Surge's newest album is the critically acclaimed and inventive "Signals Screaming", with 11 tracks focusing on human rights abuses and what the band sees as the worldwide "blind eye". Released April 1 2006 through Cyclone Records, the album has been well received by both fans and music critics. "Signals Screaming" is being hailed as "one of the most essential metal albums of the year" from "one of Canada's most promising and most modern-sounding metal bands out there today." The lyrics cover themes such as the 1994 Rwandan genocide in "Wolves", the massacre of peaceful protesters in Uzbekistan in 2005 in "Retribution Song", the repression of the FDA in "No Profit in the Cure", and what the band describes as "self serving corporate groups on the road to destroying themselves".
Inner Surge's "Matrika" can now be purchased digitally through HMV Digital at www.hmvdigital.com. "Signals Screaming" will be available there shortly.
Inner Surge is featured on CBC Radio at radio3.cbc.ca/bands/INNER-SURGE.
Inner Surge is also the featured band on the new Lost Socks Insanity podcast, who played "Wolves", "The Outcome", "Backlash" and "Silencer" on their New Year's podcast
The bands name Inner Surge is something in everyone, that driven mechanism inside you to do something remarkable. I say this band is aptly named.