Released earlier this year, the Chemical Brothers’ seventh effort, Further, can start to sound like a concert album after a few plays. Unlike many of the Brothers’ earlier releases, the album captures the raw intensity and structureless flow of a live set, filled with unexpected drops, blips, and volume shifts.[Read More…]
Music
Here comes treble: Effusion sings
Kelsea Whittle Creating music isn’t always easy with 23 people, but it’s something Effusion, one of McGill’s a cappella groups, manages to achieve. “It is a huge feat for us to create a tight sound with so many people,” says President Kelsea Whittle. Effusion held auditions at the beginning of[Read More…]
Sandman Viper Command: Everybody See this
Burlington, Ontario’s Sandman Viper Command’s debut album, Everybody See This, is a blend of both complex and simple songs played with a chemistry that can only come from being best friends. SVC has a raw, retro, garage rock feel, which gives off an authentic youthful rage. The theme of the[Read More…]
Matt & Kim: Sidewalks
Back with their third album, Sidewalks, indie rock favourites Matt & Kim please with their tried and true formula of shout-out choruses, heavy synths, and simple drumbeats. The songs on Sidewalks are just as good as previous efforts. The album opens with “Block After Block,” a tune filled with huge[Read More…]
The Details: The Original Mark EP
Winnipeg band The Details’ The Original Mark EP is a six-song collection of tracks that will go on their second full-length album. Produced by Stephen Carroll of the Weakerthans and recorded by Brandon Reid, who has worked with the National, the EP announces the band’s presence on the independent music[Read More…]
In Concert: Johnny Flynn
Johnny Flynn Sophie Silkes British folk troubadour Johnny Flynn played an enchanting show last Saturday at Cabaret Mile-End in support of his recently released sophomore album Been Listening. Though lacking his usual backing band, the Sussex Wit, and a little light on banter, Flynn was able to command the room[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…]
Kid Cudi: Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
The Moon Man is back with a surprising sophomore album to say the least. No one expected Kid Cudi to announce that MOTM II: The Legend of Mr. Rager would be a rock album. At least Lil’ Wayne stuck to rap for a decade before his own rock experiment, Rebirth.[Read More…]
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…]