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…]
Music
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…]
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…]
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 – 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…]