Music

Kids for Ca$h?

In recent months, there’s been an influx of additions to the entertainment industry, and I’m not talking about popular university-targeted acts like Chiddy Bang or Mike Posner. I’m referring to significantly younger individuals—individuals who are surely not old enough to make a successful rise to fame by their own means.[Read More…]

Factor: Lawson Graham

Lawson Graham is a left-of-centre hip-hop release by veteran Canadian beat-maker Factor. A group of label mates, both singers and rappers, provide some vocals for his instrumentals, but this album begs the question of whether it’s hip-hop or indie rock. It’s tough to say—the tracks that give off the best[Read More…]

Hooded Fang: Hooded Fang

Unlike some indie rockers, Hooded Fang’s ego doesn’t get in the way of producing a good album.  However, this might be expected from a band named after the villain of a popular children’s book series. There isn’t a huge concept to tackle or a personal battle to overcome on their[Read More…]

In Concert: Halloween – Matt & Kim

Holly Stewart Holly Stewart Matt & Kim’s performance on Saturday night at Le National left little to be desired and provided more than enough justification to skip any Halloween party or pre-drink. The duo brought their contagious energy to the stage, and the crowd mirrored their liveliness all night long.[Read More…]

In Concert: Halloween – The Besnard Lakes

Along with Wintersleep and Rah Rah, the Besnard Lakes performed at Cabaret Mile-End on Saturday night as part of a rocking Halloween concert.   The Montreal-based indie band, which is composed of husband-and-wife team Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas, drummer Kevin Laing and guitarist Richard White, entranced the audience with[Read More…]

In Concert: Halloween – Diamond Rings

Miranda Whist Miranda Whist You know you’re onto something when people decide to dress up as you for your Halloween concert, which was exactly the case with John O’Regan’s androgynous, glam rock alter ego Diamond Rings at his show on Sunday. Taking the stage in a relatively subdued matching vintage[Read More…]

Wintersleep works twice as hard on the road

bighassle.com It turns out that great albums can happen while you’re busy making other plans. Halifax’s Wintersleep wrote the bulk of their latest album, New Inheritors, while on tour. In addition to getting ready for their show each night, the band spent part of their soundcheck ironing out new songs.[Read More…]

All in the family

The music of Angus and Julia Stone has a strange effect on some people. After listening to them, many begin to think of the Sydney-based brother-sister duo as “their” band. When their music was playing at a recent party, I mentioned to the guy manning the iPod how much I[Read More…]

Avey Tare – Down There

Often overshadowed by the overwhelming success of his bandmate Panda Bear, many are probably unaware that Avey Tare—one-fourth of Animal Collective—works as a solo artist as well. Down There, his solo debut, takes the listener on an adventure through the depths of murky swamps, riding distorted synths and bass-heavy sampling[Read More…]

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