by Meredith Schneider | Sep 19, 2018 | albums, review
Toronto-based trio The Trews – comprised of Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald, and Jack Syperek – continue to enthrall their fan base with a rotating bevy of new material. Their new album Civilianaires – which dropped on September 14th – hits with lighthearted energy in “Vintage Love”, throwing you into that puppy love that only this band can re-instill with every new record release. And while “Leave It Alone” is a little more hard-hitting, “The New US” continues at that pace, with a bit more of a commentary on civilization as we know it. I think we can all get on board with the sentiment in fourth track “Time’s Speeding Up”, while “Bar Star” throws itself into an introspective atmosphere, allowing the listener to question what they think about during last call.
“Harder To Love” feels incredibly primal in its disposition, “Is It Too Late” mirrors the title’s sentiment, a question plaguing anyone who isn’t sure about the choices they’ve made in life, and “Up sweet Baby” implores the object of the singer’s affection to stay awake until he gets home to be with them. The title track and its follow-up “No More Saying Goodbye” are filled to the brim with nostalgia, influences from past decades palpable. “Amen”, “Let The Great World Spin”, and “Jericho” are perhaps the best ways to round out the album, discussing forgiveness and elevating the world.
As a piece of artwork, this album really shows up for the introspective crowd. While the instrumentals stay energetic, layered, and freeing, the lyrics bounce from topic to topic, often with the melancholy glazed over by the gorgeous melodies provided. We’re big fans, and we think you will be too!
Keep up with The Trews here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 14, 2018 | albums, review
Are you into quirky, emotional, indie rock music? Because Active Bird Community – and their brand new album Amends, out today – could really do the trick for you. The Brooklyn-based collective has been creating their brand of alternative music together since 2005 when the guys were in middle school, and the evolution has been impeccable, as they hone their sound into something 90’s babies will cherish, perhaps, more than anyone else. Amends is direct evidence of that.
Beginning with the title track, Amends establishes that slacker sound to a T while it meanders through with rough guitars, perfectly sometimes-whiny vocals, and a robust, head-bobbing energy. This carries well into second track “Holier”, though third track “Sweaty Lake” – as memorable as that name is – picks up the pace immensely, and understandably so. (See: the title “Sweaty Lake”.) Things slow again in “Unwind With Me”, which is, again, a direct reflection of the song title.
Once we get to “Baby It’s You”, I don’t think anyone is expecting a horns section. But there it is, an intro that wakes you back up with its differentiation from its predecessors. The pace takes that of a Weezer track, and we’re on board with the energy again. .”Virginia” feels more 90s grunge than others thus far, ragging on people for being “just a cliche” and challenging the object of their attention. “Blame” slows down to a ballad-like crawl, emotional in its disposition, while “Downstairs” adds some more quirk back into the feel of the album with light percussion and a rough, beautiful bass line.
“Metrics” starts with a toe-tapping, pop-like feel, and then delves back into the whirring guitars, hard percussion, and upbeat attitude of the majority of Amends. “Silver Screen” begins slow, simple, and then bursts into this kaleidoscope of sound that we didn’t necessarily see coming. “Lighthouse” rounds it all out quite beautifully, performed on acoustic guitar to really enhance the lovely, soft feeling of the lyrics.
You know, until it gets a little rowdy toward the end. But we really couldn’t have hoped for anything different.
Keep up with Active Bird Community here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 5, 2018 | albums, review
On August 31st, Dangerbird Records brought us a stunner of an EP to enjoy over the holiday weekend. Joel Jeronimo – aka Joel Jerome from the Los Angeles band DIOS and very well-known recording collaborator in the Southern California scene – and Jimi Cabeza de Vaca – aka Jimi Camaro, ex-member of DIOS – teamed up to create a three track mini album called Atlantis Airport 1982. A culmination of realism and fantasy – with a bed of synthesizers to frame it all – the album is pure otherworldly magic.
From the very first airplane-takeoff-sounding notes of “Atlantis” – which makes us feel like we are on an intergalactic spacecraft, if we’re being completely honest – to the slower, more tribal sounds of “Airport”, through to the last lines of far more experimental and jarring track “1982”, we’re smitten. In fact, we are given the impression by this album that we just went back in time to 1982, and hopped into their forward-thinking minds to their idea of the future, and then were spit back out again. It was a quick ride, but well worth it!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 31, 2018 | albums, review
From the very first, crystal-like lines of “Intro”, to the very last vibrations of bass in ninth track “Empress”, London-based electro-pop duo Cherryade has brought us a ginormous party in the form of their mini EP Fractured Fairytales. And the artists are incredibly aware of how sticky sweet everything is. admits vocalist Ellla: “Fractured Fairytales is what it says in the name – it’s a bunch of songs that are really twisted and over the top and fun. They’re stories, and they’re a good representation of us and who we are, we like things with a bitter twist and that cross the line”. Alex continues,”We’ve got so much music we’re ready to release after this mini album, and it’s a lot more pop, but to the point it’s so sweet it’ll rot your teeth”.
“Fractured Fairytales” is catchy as all get out, though there is no doubt that it is a party track. In fact, most of the album follows suit, with hard hooks and an upbeat tempo. The feel to it all is very “Halloween rave,” which we are 100% here for seeing as we’re zeroing in on autumn right now. (Hello, September!) “Get By” has that same repetitive, fun disposition as its predecessor, and while “Got You Good” feels more earthy than the others, it still has that fast, intense tempo and danceable rhythm you can burn calories to. Though “Blah Blah” won’t necessarily replace Ke$ha’s similarly named track, it holds a place close in our hearts next to it.
If you’re hometown loyal, “My Town” could be your next favorite track. With a slightly calmer vibe, “The Crown” comes in boasting a more regal overall feel. “Houdini” will make you want to drop it pretty quickly, while “Empress” will put you in the right frame of mind to go into the rest of your day feeling like hot shit.
We’re serious. Try it on for size.
Fractured Fairytales mini album tracklisting
1. Intro
2. Fractured Fairytales
3. Get By
4. Got You Good
5. Blah Blah
6. My Town
7. The Crown
8. Houdini
9. Empress
Keep up with Cherryade here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Aug 24, 2018 | albums, review
Talk about an empowering new album! Artist Whoa Dakota has recently released her new album ‘Patterns’ on August 17th! Jessica Ott, who you may know better as the artist of Whoa Dakota speaks out about her new album saying, “This album is about everything that made me. Patterns weaves two main narratives: breaking free of our own destructive cycles through accountability as well as reconciling how our roots continue to shape our identity.”This multi-genre album with 80’s inspired vibes is all about becoming who you are and finding yourself throughout your life while also breaking through the same vicious routines that may hold you back. Growing up with her parents and grandmother, Ott learned many valuable lessons and stories in which she uses in her music nowadays. The track ‘Patterns’ is an upbeat and catchy yet teachable song that inspires you to break away from your unhealthy patterns. “Patterns” is the one song that sets the mood for what you can expect on the whole album. Songs such as “Animal”, as well as countless other tracks on the album also refer back to the same old cycle that you do not want to get caught up living in; you just need to break free of all the cycles and patterns. While listening to Whoa Dakota’s new album, you may hear many vocal similarities when compared to alternative/indie artist, St. Vincent. Both artists are strong female singers that you do not want to pass up.
Take the time to go listen to Whoa Dakota’s new album Patterns‘, and you will not be disappointed! If you have the chance, make sure you also go to see Whoa Dakota live!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based multi-instrumentalist Jason Bemis Lawrence is preparing to release his full-length, Another Hotel Hallway, early next month. In the meantime, we have the second single off of that collection ready for your awaiting ears, a track called “Southern Midwest”. The reverb-filled track has an almost glassy feel to it, serene in its disposition. The instrumentals lend to the tranquil feel, allowing for a relaxing soundscape intro to an album we are all too excited for.
Keep up with Jason Bemis Lawrence here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Aug 14, 2018 | albums, review
Being that it’s summer time, we’re all very busy, but smart and talented Shonali Bhowmik takes busy to the next level! Not only did she attend law school throughout her career, but Bhowmik also leads a life of acting, and performing with her band Tigers & Monkeys. Tigers & Monkeys create a blend of indie rock music that matches perfectly with the alternative style vocals with a hint of some southern charm in there to take it bake to Bhowmik’s childhood roots. Tigers & Monkeys are expected to release their new album Saturday Destroyer on September 17, which you will want to keep an eye out for, because the best is yet to come! As a teaser, the band recently released their new single “In An Instant” which combines everything that you would want to hear coming from a new album.
In order to get ready for their new album release, stay up to date with Tigers & Monkeys on Facebook and by listening to all of their previous music!
by Karina Marquez | Aug 10, 2018 | albums, review
Canadian artist Taylor Janzen gets as real as she can get with her new EP. Interpersonal is thoughtful and smart, as if written by a seasoned professional; at only 19-years-old, she has an acute sense of empathy and self-awareness that makes this EP incredibly special. Her vocals are heartbreakingly beautiful, drawing strong comparisons to Paramore’s Hayley Williams. But that’s as far as the comparisons go – in every way, Janzen is entirely her own artist.
As you listen, each song bares a bit more of Janzen’s soul. Her honesty makes her relatable, which is the epitome of why we love sad songs. “Stations” delves into the reality of emotional abuse in a relationship. “The Waiting Room” is a standout track due to its raw and honest discussion of her struggles with mental health through the imagery of a waiting room. The lyrics show how, sometimes, the mental health system can be challenging and lonely. Janzen sings with pain in her voice, lamenting about her experience: “Spitting out my demons to someone I just met … the only one who listens is the person I pay.” “Colourblind” and “Better Now” round out the EP, leaving you with that feeling – not sadness, not anger, not happiness. The best way to describe Janzen’s music is hopeful. She delves deep into heartbreak and depression, but her voice assures us that not all is lost. In fact, these are the kind of sad songs that you want to listen over and over again, even if it makes you want to sob into a glass of red wine.
Keep up with Taylor Janzen here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 9, 2018 | albums, review
With attention to minute detail given by its creators, enticing track “Run Wild” was the perfect lead-in to the brand new 6 track EP, Run Wild. Thutmose – a Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based hip hop artist – and NoMBe – the German-born, Los Angeles-based musical project by Noah McBeth – had already proven they could create luscious soundscapes, paired with lyrics that are descriptive and feel-good in nature.
The rest of the EP is no different, as you can witness below. At times, the duo slows it down to a amore mellow pace – as with tracks “Young & Reckless”, “Soft Top”, and “Summer’s Gone” -, highlighting the soulful aspects of their musical talents. And though we tend to glean positive vibes from the majority of the release, songs like “Summer’s Gone” – despite its hopeful, beautiful message of love – leave a melancholic feeling deep in your bones, foreshadowing that end of warmer months in the northern hemisphere in the coming months.
If you’re ready to be enveloped in a sound that is a buttery smooth version of Drake-meets-Kid Cudi-meets Shop Boyz, Run Wild is calling for you to fall in mutual love.
Keep up with Thutmose here and NoMBe here.
