By: Calum Slingerland – Known for their hard-hitting guitar riffs, tight rhythm section, and a vocal swagger unlike any other, Volbeat are one of the most interesting metal acts to come out of the genre in the last ten years. With a sound many have come to describe as “Elvis metal,” the Danish quartet has always been … Continue reading
By: Luke Ottenhof – If the fire was lit many, many years ago by the likes of Neil Young and Randy Bachman, Matt Mays has the wood to keep it burning bright Along with the help of Toronto’s July Talk, Nova Scotia’s Matt Mays blazed through nearly two hours of classics and new standards from his … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – From their humble beginnings in 2009, Los Angeles indie rockers Local Natives have come a long way. Self-funding and producing their first record Gorilla Manor that same year, the album showed a real sense of youthful energy amongst the five-piece band. With their second major release, Hummingbird, Local Natives present a new sense of maturity … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – Ottawa natives Amos the Tranparent’s show at Mavericks Bar last Friday proved to be a memorable point in their career with longtime guitarist and vocalist Mark Hyne’s announcement that it was his final show with the band, leaving his post to spend more time with his family. During the venue’s “Indie Rock Christmas Party” … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – The eighties is largely regarded by many as a decade when synth-pop was born. A predominant style of the times riddled with more keyboard work and catchy hooks that any person could handle. With bands like Depeche Mode, Erasure, and the Human League popularizing the style, synth pop has seen somewhat … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – The music world hasn’t heard much from Tiga lately. Since releasing his second studio album, Ciao!, in 2009, the Montreal-based DJ has kept a relatively low profile. Having only released a handful of singles since then, Tiga returns with “Non-Stop,” a 28-track mix CD which sees him cover a plethora of works from … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – Last year, the world saw Björk release her critically acclaimed Biophilia, an extremely experimental and unique record that was released alongside a bevy of extra content. Interactive apps were created to enhance the listening experience and the album’s concept. The delivery of extra goodies doesn’t stop there, as a collection of Biophilia … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – With his third studio effort, French electro producer Vitalic once again proves he is a master at creating dance tracks with feeling – treading the fine line between brooding and bombastic. With 2009’s Flashmob, Vitalic drew on new-disco and house music influences to create a wonderful record. Three years later, he … Continue reading
By: Calum Slingerland – ★★★★★ Since 2010, Deftones have changed and grown together as a band. With bassist Chi Cheng entering a coma resulting from a car crash in 2009, and releasing their critically acclaimed album Diamond Eyes in 2010, the band has been making the most of the tough situation they’ve been put into. Deftones’ latest effort, Koi No … Continue reading