Author Archive
Pilgrim – Phonetics Review
Okay, so even though this review should probably have been posted three months ago, it was well worth the wait to finally sit down and listen to an original, fresh rock album. Pilgrim, comprised of four guys from London, ON, are, in my opinion, a diamond in the rough, and maybe with the right stroke of luck can have a real shot at making it in the bizz. First off, the lead singer’s vocals resemble those of Brandon Boyd, lead singer of Incubus, and maybe even a little Serj Tankian, when he’s actually singing. What’s more is that on Phonetics, there is such an array of genres and different sounds and styles, that it’s truly hard to ever get bored while listening, definitely making it a solid rock/experimental album.
On the album, each song brings something new and unique to the table, keeping you guessing and wanting to hear more. My favourite song on the album is “Whispers from Home”, which maintains a bouncy bass beat throughout that is complemented by crazy marching band-esque drums. About 2.5 minutes in, the electric guitar takes over and the song is transformed into a song reminiscent of much of classic rock. The lead singer’s voice actually sounds a little like Eddie Vedder also, so you can see how I really dug this song, as will everyone who hears it. Another fantastic track, “Cut And Paste”, combines bluesy-piano with the familiar guitar riffs and rock vocals.
This album was definitely a privilege to review. Never predictable, always impressive, Pilgrim’s debut album is really something special. I would have to agree with another review for Phonetics, that it walks a fine line between mainstream and indie. The album certainly appeals to a broad audience since the band experiments with many different genres of music.
Cut and Paste by Pilgrim
Animals and Time by Pilgrim
Whispers From Home by Pilgrim
Victorian Halls – Victorian Halls EP Review
From Chicago, this self-dubbed garage/powerpop indie quartet is definitely unlike anything I have ever heard. Their sound is so crazily complex that it really begins to grow on you and stretches the boundaries of mainstream pop. They combine so many different elements from the pop/punk/garage/rock genres and mash them together. To me, they sound like if I were to open Pandora’s box of Music, this EP would start playing…and that’s a good thing. If you read the reviews (who put it much more eloquently than I do) you’ll find phrases like “rhythmic brilliance” (Aiding & Abetting) “sirening guitar riffs” (Delusions of Adequacy) and “outlandishly complex and unpredictable” (Babysue), to describe the band, all of which are bang-on.
The first track I listened to was called “Desperate Storyline”. Needless to say, I was a little taken aback at the fist listen, but when it was done, I needed to hear more. The high-pitched, almost theatrical vocals combined with a roaring beat are evidence of the band’s talent, but what really ties is all together distinguishing them as a truly unique band is the piano. The piano adds a pop-ier sound, adding more of a theatrical quality. “It’s Not Fad, It’s Etiquette” is another song that has a chaotic rhythm thanks mainly to the piano.
Honestly, this band is not normally what I would listen to, but after this EP I am definitely a fan. In every song they have this insane beat with vocals that you’ll never hear on any mainstream pop-punk album. So if you’re looking for a completely original, punchy band, you need to pick up this awesome EP. Hear more from Victorian Halls on their official site and MySpace.
Sam Sparro – Sam Sparro Review
In 2008, the Grammy-nominated Sam Sparro came onto the scene with his self-titled debut album, making big waves in the music industry. Signed to UK-based label Island Records, Sparro’s blend of electropop and R&B has earned him his high position on the charts. He released a promo single “Cottonmouth” in 2007 and his first official single “Black & Gold in 2008. Let me just say something about this song. This is just a sample of Sparro’s smooth voice combined with a crazy electro-beat that are featured on this entire album. To me, his first album, released April 2008, has established himself as the-one-to-watch in 2009. His new album is coming out August 31 and I just hope I can preorder it in iTunes.
Now for my favourites. If you love songs you can dance to with socially conscious lyrics, then “21st Century Life” is perfect for you! The contrast between the upbeat tempo and socially aware lyrics is cool, Sparro says “Now I’m not a little boy I’m in the 21st century/Well you might think we’ve come a really long way/But there’s still no equality”. My next favourite song on the album is the last released single “Pocket”. It features some cool electro-beats and Sparro’s distinct vocals. Finally, “Clingwrap” has some of the most inventive and funny lyrics I’ve ever heard.
Although Sparro sounds A LOT like Prince, his sounds is more modern and could…and this may be a stretch…define the future of electropop music. It has a unique flavour that is unheard of nowadays. Anyway, go buy this album for $7.99 on iTunes, you will not regret it. It’s so refreshing and pretty much just the bomb. GO HERE MORE from Sam Sparro on his official website and MySpace.
Ben Harper – Fight Your Mind Review
One of my favourite artists of all-time, Ben Harper’s third album, Fight For Your Mind has now become to record that fans wait for Harper to play at shows. Born in California, the 39-year-old soul singer is truly unique, and has never disappointed with his music (definitely not me). The album, being his first certified-Gold album, established Harper as a majorly talented guitarist and vocalist, before he began playing with the Innocent Criminals. This is a gospel/soul/blues album and is what shot Harper to his current status as one of the music industry’s most gifted and unique artists. In my eyes, he caters to anyone who’s a fan of music. Therefore, everyone should treat themselves and listen to this album. It might just change your life.
The album features the socially-conscious “Oppression”, a slowish, guitar-strummed followed a little later by the fan-favourite, the overly-depressing “Another Lonely Day”. This song is just Harper’s soothing voice with him playing an acoustic guitar and lyrics that could make anyone weep. Then, there’s the camp-fire favourite, and the song that (after “Steal My Kisses”) is what got people into Ben Harper in the first place, “Burn One Down”. The weed-lover’s anthem combines Harper’s signature bongo drums and is pretty much the best song ever, if I had to describe it in-depth.
Throughout the years, Harper’s musical style has really evolved, especially with the addition of the Innocent Criminals. There are tons more instruments, making his sound upbeat and funky, but still with the same soul you’ll find in his earlier albums. PLEASE hear more from Ben Harper on his MySpace and website. The new album, White Lies in Dark Times, come out May 2009.
Anna Matthewson – Starry Eyed Believer Review
Hailing all the way from the other side of the world (literally!), Anna Matthewson from New South Wales, Australia, is slowly but surely breaking her way into the biz. With her album, “Starry Eyed Believer” being recently released on iTunes, the unsigned artist clearly has talent, and her smooth sound is definitely worth a listen. So needless to say, with the little information I have about her, I am going to try my best to write a good and accurate review. Ms. Matthewson describes herself as a mixture of funk, soul, and jazz. Although very true, I would also say that there are definitely some adult-contemporary pop tracks on the album.
Matthewson’s voice reminds me of a nightclub singer. Her impressive, well-trained vocals really complement the piano and bluesy guitar featured on her tracks. Some favourites of mine off “Believer” include “Baby”, the title track and “When the Skies are Grey”. “Baby” has a smooth melody with a hint of soul and some good blues-guitar solos. “Starry Eyed Believer” is a beat more upbeat, contemporary jazzy tune, making it a funky light track. If you’re into more adult pop, “When the Skies are Grey” bears a little resemblance, at least to me, to a Lee Ann Womback ballad, particularly “Last Call”, not in terms of voice, but instrumentals.
Essentially, this is a solid funk/soul/jazz/pop album from an artist down under. Matthewson’s voice is very well-trained and, at times, captivating. Her music is mainly for those who like light jazz/funk with some soul and blues thrown into the mix. Overall, I would give “Starry Eyed Believer” an A and would recommend it to all. Hear more from Matthewson on her MySpace.
Peirson Ross – A Boy Caught on Words Review
Hailing from Toronto, Peirson Ross is definitely one of the best iTunes purchases I have ever made. With his new LP, A Boy Caught on Words, his soulful, unique sound is truly what attracted me to Ross. Falling under the acoustic, roots genre, this album sounds like a mix of Iron & Wine, Ray LaMontagne, maybe a little Ben Harper and tons more. While attending Kings College at Dalhousie in Halifax, Ross started playing local venues and was eventually discovered (thank god) by an engineer who has worked with the likes of James Taylor, U2, The Band, and The Tragically Hip.
All in all, this is a fantastic album that can keep your foot tapping to the beat, but can also be one that you can fall asleep too (which is not a bad thing!). As for some standout tracks, a fan favourite as well as my personal favourite, is definitely “Butterflies”, a fast-paced, acoustic song with some awesome vocals. Basically, you will not be able to take it off repeat. And then there’s the title track, “A Boy Caught on Words” which, to me, is reminiscent of Ray LaMontagne’s “Lesson Learned” off ‘Till the Sun Turns Black (again, maybe that’s just me). His most recent single, “All the Things You Never Wanted”, is similar to “Butterflies” in the pace as well as the backup vocals creating some crazy harmonies.
I know I say this on every review (probably because I only review things I like), but I think everyone should buy this album. It’s just one of those albums that you can listen to anywhere, anytime and sort of just chill out to. The same feeling you get when you’re listening to The Shins, and I know you all feel the same way. Please go to his website and MySpace when you get a chance, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Everyone’s a sucker for acoustic guitar, with some handclaps and gospel backup vocals.
Peirson Ross – A Boy Caught On Words.mp3
K’naan – The Dusty Foot Philosopher Review
Born in Somalia, K’naan has made a name for himself in Canada and abroad with his unique brand of rap and hip-hop. Since moving to Toronto some time ago, he has released The Dusty Foot Philosopher in 2005 for which he nabbed a 2006 Juno Award from Rap Recording of the Year. He has been working on his 2009 sophomore album Troubadour. He has also worked with artists such as Nelly Furtado, Mos Def, The Roots, and Damian Marley. Through his lyrics he addresses the struggle to survive in his native Somalia and brings other social awareness issues to mind, making him one of my favourite up-and-coming rappers.
On Philosopher, there is really something for everyone. If you like fast rhythms with instruments you’ve never heard before, than “Soobax” is perfect. It’s a fast-paced song with a crazy beat that is apparently a huge crowd-pleaser at shows. If you like slower, acoustic rap songs, than you’ll love his first single off the album “Strugglin’. On my personal favourite, “The African Way”, K’naan brings you back to Somalia, incorporating authentic African instruments with witty lyrics and even a Somali rapper. I also recommend that you go and buy his two most recent singles of Troubadour, “ABCs” (my absolute new favourite song) and “Dreamer”.
Basically, if you’re into rap or hip-hop with a dose of African flavour, nothing beats K’naan. On every song, his beats, rhythms, instruments, and lyrics come together to create a completely original rap song with some Somali rap in the mix. The Dusty Foot Philosopher’s follow-up album is sure to be a huge success and to bring K’naan more recognition than ever before and rightfully so. Hear more from K’naan on his MySpace and official website.
Soobax by K’naan
The African Way by K’naan
Strugglin’ by K’naan
Arkells – Jackson Square Review
Since recently being signed at the beginning of the year to Dine Alone Records (same label as City & Colour, Bedouin Soundclash), Hamilton, ON’s Arkells are truly one of Canada’s up-and-coming rockers. The band has since released their EP “Deadlines” and shared the stage with such bands as Tokyo Police Club, Cuff the Duke, Matt Mays & El Torpedo and Alexisonfire. The five-piece band is made up of Nick Dika on bass, Max Kerman and Mike DeAngelis on guitar and vocals, Tim Oxford on drums and Dan Griffin on the keyboard.
Nowadays, it is difficult to find a sound as authentic as Arkells’. It’s also comforting to know that Canada is home to a band that knows how to rock as hard as these guys do. Their sound is a mix of rock riffs, soul, and blues. Jackson Square is a compilation of catchy songs that, from the first listen, you’re instantly hooked. After I listened to “Deadlines”, (when it was the iTunes free single of the week off Jackson Square that came out a few weeks ago), I immediately bought rest of the album. The first single off Jackson Square, “Oh, the Boss Is Coming!” rocks pretty hard with a crazy rhythm and hard-hitting vocals. A personal favourite is “Heart of the City”, an energetic tune with a drum-heavy beat. “Where did all the good plans go?” asks the band on “Abigail”; a slower paced song with handclaps and a catchy chorus.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut album which will hopefully bring on some well-deserved attention and success. Musically, Arkells hold nothing back: their sound is original, unrestrained and just plain awesome. There catchy songs are tons of fun and, according to YouTube, they’re awesome live. To hear more from Arkells, check out their MySpace.
Arkells – Heart of the City.mp3
Arkells – John Lennon.mp3
Arkells – Oh, the Boss Is Coming!.mp3
Adele – 19 Review
Out of the recent explosion of super-talented female Brit crooners, Adele certainly takes the cake for the best of them all. Although vocal powerhouses Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Estelle have proved themselves, 20-year-old Adele is quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Self-describing her music as “heartbreak soul”, Adele’s debut album 19, is a throwback to when songstresses Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James graced the world stage and defined soul music. With an incredible range and lyrics that have genuine meaning behind them, you are guaranteed to love this album, not to mention her jaw-dropping live performances, where it seems effortless for the young singer to belt the lyrics.
It is rare that I find an album that I can listen to from start to finish and still want to hear more. After hearing the first single, “Chasing Pavements”, with a booming chorus that will actually send chills up your spine, I was hooked. My personal favourite song off the album, about her love for London, is without a doubt “Hometown Glory”. With piano accompaniment, her voice really shines on this track. Adele takes the tempo up a notch with a jazzy bassline on “Best For Last” and even takes on a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love”, which has been butchered by an artist or two in the past, however Adele clearly maintains the integrity of song.
I feel as though it is almost my duty to create buzz about such a talented, young individual. I rarely press my taste in music upon other people but I truly urge you to take the time and buy her album…or at least a few songs on iTunes. Trust me, you will not regret it, you will thank me later. Hear more from Adele on her website and MySpace.
Wintersleep – Welcome to the Night Sky Review
Winners of the New Group of the Year at the 2008 Juno Awards, these boys from Halifax have truly come a long way since they were signed in 2002 by Dependent Music before later being signed with Labwork Music in 2006, a partnership label between Sonic Unyon and EMI Music Canada. Their 2003 album Wintersleep and 2005 untitled album brought them mild success, however it was their third album Welcome to the Night Sky that sky-rocketed them to their current status: one of if not the most popular Canadian band out there, playing shows all over Canada and the US.
Now, I may be a little late on the review (the album was released a year ago) but it needed to be done. The first single off the album “Weighty Ghost” is probably the catchiest of all. It’s lyrics about playing hide and seek with one’s identity are the backdrop to a bouncy melody. Musically, it is different from anything the band has done before. On this track, they have traded their electric sound for a lighter, smoother sound that is a surefire crowd-pleaser at shows. But don’t be fooled, tracks like “Oblivion” and “Laser Beams” contain all the elements of classic hard-rock songs, both with a heavier sound. Somewhere in the middle are songs like “Archaeologists”, a catchy, upbeat tune, and “Drunk on Aluminum”, which alternates between a slow-paced, soft melody featuring the sound of light drumming on the symbol, and thrashing guitars and the booming snare drum.
Overall, this is a pretty sweet album. Its diverse variety of songs appeal to a much wider audience, however longtime fans are still easily able to identify their original sound, which has since evolved from their earlier albums, making it clear why they have been recognized as the best New Group of the Year. Out of all the bands emerging from the thriving Halifax music scene, Wintersleep is the leader of the pack, at least for now anyways. Hear more from the band on their website and MySpace.
