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Nov
02/09
Imperial Never Say Die Tour review: 30th Oct, Brighton
Last Updated on Wednesday, 4 November 2009 11:25
Written by Alison Aird
Monday, November 2nd, 2009

This opening date of the Imperial Never Say Die tour got off to a pretty rocky start. Twenty minutes before doors opened, merch boxes littered the entire venue and one furious venue owner in a leather cowboy hat seemed about ready to have an aneurysm. Moods were sour, merch guys were stressed, but the fans outside were definitely ready to take part in one of the loudest tours around.

And those fans were in for the long haul. With doors opening at 5pm, the show got off to an optimistically energetic start with The Ghost Inside and Oceano providing a standard warm up to the night’s events.

Iwrestledabearonce provided a solid fanbase with great entertainment, while leaving the rest of the crowd perplexed by their mix of hardcore and atonal random jazz. As Blood Runs Black came into to save those souls wondering exactly what they were just listening to by giving a great set of tunes anyone could enjoy and got the crowd whipped up into a energetic frenzy, all before 8pm.

Next came HORSEtheband, a band I have personally heard great things about live. In hindsight I fear this recommendation may have come from someone as drunk as vocalist Nathan Winneke is tonight. Their set is apparently troubled with technical difficulties and Winneke introduces the band as “having no fucking clue where we are” before going onto improvise most of the set. HORSEtheband seem to pull a large crowd, but like a car crash pulls in a large crowd, most of the audience is motionless. It’s not that the set is bad, it’s that Winneke comes across as a drunk fool and the mutters around the venue of “what a prick” afterwards leave me hoping that HORSEtheband have better luck next time.

Despised Icon is next up, and after the most ridiculously immense drum set is constructed in a hugely long set change, they finally take the stage, pump up the volume to 11 and kick the audience into gear again. The best way to describe Despised Icon is what I call “dude music”, that is most of the guys into it are slightly aggro, built like brick walls and LOVE it. Other audience members could be entertained simply by watching the diehards react to every one of vocalists’ Alexandre Erian and Steve Marois commands, or could become mesmerised by Alexandre Pelletier’s almost out of this world drumming. These guys save the show, and if you have the chance, definitely check them out live.

Finally, almost 5 hours after doors opened, home-towners Architects open with Early Grave and a wave of appreciation from the audience. Architects performance is so tight that you can’t help but be impressed, and following a vicious American tour in a van earlier this month, the quality of this performance is all the more impressive. Unfortunately for the headliners, some of the audience departs mid set, some simply stand there, arms folded in that “oh, I’m too cool” way, but none of that matters as those who are really into watching the band (including vocalist Sam Carter’s parents) are captivated and screaming along. Mama Carter deserves a shout out for singing along so faithfully and word perfectly throughout and the pride she exudes at the band’s success is blatant.

Overall this tour is a long one, filled with ups and downs, its heroes and its clowns, and I would recommend showing up with a full stomach as it will probably drain a lot out of those who go to see it. That said, it’s worth the price, and you’re guaranteed some great performances.

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Oct
16/09
CD: Emarosa – Relativity
Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:59
Written by Scott Girouard
Friday, October 16th, 2009

Album: Relativity
Artist: Emarosa
Release: July 8th/2008
Label: Rise Records
Producer: Kris Crummet
Tracks:

  1. “The Past Should Stay Dead” – 4:33
  2. “Just Another Marionette” – 4:04
  3. “What’s a Clock Without the Batteries?” – 3:56
  4. “Heads or Tails? Real or Not” – 5:01
  5. “Even Bad Men Love Their Mothers” [Interlude] – 2:00
  6. “Her Advice Cost Us a Life” – 4:36
  7. “Set It Off Like Napalm” – 3:06
  8. “Sailing in the Dark Isn’t Smart Kid” – 3:16
  9. “Pretend. Release. The Close” – 3:01
  10. “It’s Cold in the Shade. Let’s Move to the Sun…” [Interlude] – 1:00
  11. “I Still Feel Her – Part I” – 4:32
  12. “A City Called Coma – Part II” – 4:22

I saw this band live having only heard one or two songs briefly online, so I decided to buy the album off the keyboardist at the the show. Best descision I probably could have made.

This album not only impressed me, but it  suprised me in so many ways. I didn’t have high expectations for it, but the first song caught my attention in the first 30 seconds; and made me want to listen to it all the way through. The fact that this album was released in a time that music had become so unoriginal, especially in the “hardcore/metal etc..” genre, nothing stood out or was worth listening to, to me at least. This album grabbed me immediately.

Within a few listens I knew this was already one of my favorite albums. It has everything a fan of similar bands would want. Creative melodic guitars, faster paced/more complex drums, thoughtful basslines, atmospheric keyboard parts, and to top it all off, a singer who has a talented range, and comes up with some really great melodies.

This album has such a cool vibe and a great flow of songs. They change scales from song to song many times throught the album and do it tastefully, and intelligently. This band brought the creativity back to post hardcore, and I hope a lot of other bands follow suit.

This album influenced me as a guitarist and changed the way i thought about playing guitar. Emarosa is the first band in at least 3 years who I’ve listened to their album constantly for more than 3 months, and thats the kind of bands i really want to listen to. I recommend this album to anyone who wants to hear something different and interesting, but still in a well known genre. This is the kind of “original” music that I like to hear.

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Oct
12/09
Epitaph/Zune Tour: Every Time I Die, Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, Kingdoms
Last Updated on Monday, 12 October 2009 09:00
Written by Dylan Houle
Monday, October 12th, 2009

Friday night Josh and I attended the Epitaph Tour featuring Kingdoms, Architects, Bring Me The Horizon, and Every Time I Die. Originally, Oh Sleeper was scheduled to preform but due to unknown circumstances, they dropped last minute and Kingdoms saved the day by joining the show last minute. A night of high energy music, heavy breakdowns and… Screaming girls? It seems BMTH’s(Bring Me The Horizon) fan base has expanded to a new army of teenage girls, which is surprising to me considering how heavy there music is.

Local band Kingdoms (Underground Operations) opened the show with tight, heavy, melodic music, showing it up for Canada, being the only Canadian band on the show. Even though most people in the building weren’t even aware Kingdoms were playing the show, I can guarantee they were not disappointed in the performance and passion displayed by this up and coming band.

Up next was Architects, a band that I personally was very interested in seeing because I’ve heard lots of good thing about them, but never have had the opportunity to check them out live.  I was very impressed by the performance this British progressive metal band. In my opinion, the recordings they have do not do them justice. If you really want to experience Architects, you have to see them live. They will be playing on October 12th again in Toronto, with August Burns Red and The Acacia Strain.

Now for the band most of the crowd came out to see, Bring Me The Horizon. As I said earlier, for some reason BMTH have cast a spell upon teenage girls. When Vocalist Oliver Sykes first stepped on the stage, an almost “Jonas Brothers” reaction was given from the crowd. As for the music, BMTH played an okay set. I must say, there current CD “Suicide Season” is not as appealing to me as there 20o6 debut, “Count Your Blessings”, which made it disappointing when only one song off Count Your Blessings was played. One Flaw I really found in Bring Me The Horizons live music was that it was very sloppy. At Times it would be very hard to tell one song from another, or hear which guitar riffs were played. While I wasn’t very impressed by them, there very loyal fans backed them 100% and made it very obvious they enjoyed the performance.

The next and final band that played can be defined in two simple but very very important words, stage precense. On top of playing their songs bang on, Buffalo Southern Hardcore band Every Time I Die had some of the best stage presence I have ever seen. With Bassist Josh Newton wearing a full one piece skeleton suit, and guitarist Andy Williams having very interesting handle bars, you know this band knows how to put on a show. The most impressive thing I saw this show was ETID guitarist Jordan Buckley, front flip from on the stage into the crowd with out ever stopping playing his guitar. All in all the show was ended on a very positive note with a very talented band.

To see photos from this show go to: http://www.damagedpress.com/featured/2009/10/photos-every-time-i-die-bring-me-the-horizon-architects-kingdoms/

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Oct
07/09
CD: Crisis Jane – Don’t Flatter Yourself
Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:32
Written by Josh Mahoney
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Album: Don’t Flatter Yourself
Artist: Crisis Jane
Photos By: Brenon Durston
 iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/

(yes thats a legal download, the album is offered for free!)

Tracks:

  1. Once Upon a Time in New Mexico
  2. Five Letter Itch
  3. Careful With That Pipebomb
  4. The Coffin and the Submarine
  5. Wednesday Language
  6. Crush for the Rush(Tracklisting is reversed on iTunes and the actual physical CD)

So first of all, these guys are some really cool dudes. I met them when they were on tour and played at a show with some friends of mine, and I was asked to shoot it. They were mad friendly and were chatting with everyone. When I went on their myspace and saw they’ve only been around since January, I was shocked. They are extremely professional, and all know what they are doing. As opposed to the mass amount of local bands that have been around for years and are still going nowhere, Crisis Jane is way above the standard.

This band is  for fans of Boys Like Girls, All American Rejects, and The Almost. They are an upbeat, high energy band from Winnipeg. The first song on the album is ‘Once Upon a Time in New Mexico’. Right off the bat, it’s as in your face as pop bands get. With catchy lyrics like “you’ve got a PHD in killing dreams in hope, yeah what would you know? ” It’s something you’ll find yourself humming while you’re at school or  working.

Careful With That Pipebomb is probably my favourite song. It shows the vocalist is not only capable of singing loud, but soft and quiet as well. Like all their songs, its upbeat, but I find something about it just more catchy.

The last song on the CD is Crush for the Rush. It’s an acoustic song, and an amazing one at that. This one made it to my playlist in a matter of minutes after I heard it. It just shows the diversity and talent that is in the band.

From a production standpoint, I felt that the vocals are a little too loud in some parts, where other spots they were perfect. The snare stood out above everything, . I really liked the guitar tones however, they suit the style really well. The bass blends in nicely, and adds that ‘oomph’ and fullness.

Don’t Flatter Yourself is full of the catchy pop music that we all know and love. It doesn’t do them justice however, so you should make it out to see them live as well. I’m definitely excited to hear anything new they cook up after this, and hope to see them back  in Ontario soon. Great band, great dudes, great album!

http://www.myspace.com/crisisjane

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Oct
06/09
CD: Dancing With Paris – Theres Something in the Water
Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:32
Written by Josh Mahoney
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Album: There’s Something in the Water
Artist: Dancing with Paris
Producer: Shawn Lefebvre
Download: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?wkcth3nizmk

(yes thats a legal download, the album is offered for free!)

Tracks:

  1. Sand Castles
  2. Bled Dry
  3. Orange County
  4. (Boardwalk)
  5. Hardwalk (of Champions)
  6. Titanic
  7. There’s Something in the Water

I think what immediately caught my was by far the vocals. If you are a fan of the way Blake from Straight Reads the Line screams, then you’ll be an instant fan of this band. Both their highs sound so remarkably similar, I was double guessing myself listening to Dancing with Paris the entire time! Overall vocally though, the album reminds me a mixture of Straight Reads the Line, Born of Osiris, and just some unique singing thrown in their as well.

I’m not a fan of the guitar tones, but that’s just me. At first I thought I was hearing a bass with a distortion, until I realized that their guitars were tuned that low, and it was slightly too buzzy for my liking. Although I don’t like the tone on that, overall the guitars can be catchy, and will grow on you for sure. The drums hold everything together by far, they are simple, yet effective, and bring it all together.

The music itself feels like a mixture of a whole bunch of things, but done the right way. They also have done something very unique. Because it was a digital album, they were able to change the album art for each song accordingly, and in result have 7 different album covers, all similar, but slightly different.

Halfway through, they have an instrumental song called (Boardwalk). It’s simplicity and clarity makes it so attractive. It’s just a break right in the middle of the album, and it’s done completely right. It shows the diversity the band has as musicians, as well as composers. Definately something that could be put in playlist alongside The Riviera Heist’s Felix Felices, as well as House vs Hurricane’s Colour Space.

The song that stands out by far ‘There’s Something in the Water’. The guitars and vocals flow together so nicely, and the transitions are nice and smooth. It shows their full range, and brings out the sound they want and cuts it straight to the point.

On a last note, GO DOWNLOAD THIS ALBUM. It’s free. It has amazing album artwork, the lyrics are included, and it is definately you’ll find yourself playing on your iTunes or iPod. I haven’t had the chance to check out these guys live yet, but for sure am going to make an effort to go see them, and see what they’re like in person.

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Oct
04/09
CD: Death Before Dishonor – Better Ways To Die
Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:32
Written by Dylan Houle
Sunday, October 4th, 2009

Album: Better Ways To Die

Artist: Death Before Dishonor

Release Date: July 28th/09

Tracks:

  1. Peace and Quiet
  2. Remember
  3. Coffin Nail
  4. Fuck This Year
  5. Boys in Blue
  6. Better Ways to Die
  7. So Far From Home
  8. Black Cloud
  9. No More Lies
  10. Bloodlust
  11. Our Glory Days

    Boston hardcore band “Death Before Dishonor” are back with their third full length album, “Better Ways To Die”. 11 tracks of fast pace, in your face, passionate music. Produced by Jim Siegel( Dropkick Murphys, Blood For Blood) Better Way To Die is proof that Death Before Dishonor refuse to conform to the rules of modern hardcore

    The opening track, “ Peace and Quiet” doesn’t hesitate to start the cd off with a bang. A shredding guitar solo on top of explosive drums, and thunderous bass, is how you are welcomed in classic Death Before Dishonor style. With the Cd being only 25 minutes long, one might wonder if it is worth being purchased. I would say most definitely. Sure it might be short with songs such as “Fuck This Year” being only 1:52, but trust me, this CD is worth a listen if you enjoy passionate, classic, hardcore music.

    As for the lyrics, they are anything but meaningless. DBD Vocalist Brian Harris, writes about real life issues, and about the struggles of growing up in the projects of boston. The Song “Boys In Blue”, is about police brutalities and unfair tactics used by the police force. Harris is not afraid to express his feelings about any issue in a very blunt fashion, which in my opinion, is the best way to express it.

    If you have never listened to Death Before Dishonor, I would recommend them to anyone who is a fan of bands such as The Mongoloids, Terror and First Blood. Fans of any heavy genres should be able to enjoy and respect this bands powerful, blunt lyric, heavy breakdowns and fast pace drumming.

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    Sep
    30/09
    CD: Brand New – Daisy
    Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:33
    Written by Vivienne Moscoso
    Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

    Album: Daisy

    Artist: Brand New

    Release Day: September 22nd/2009

    Tracks:

    1. Vices
    2. Bed
    3. At The Bottom
    4. Gasoline
    5. You Stole
    6. Be Gone
    7. Sink
    8. Bought a Bride
    9. Daisy
    10. In a Jar
    11. Noro

    The Long Island boys are back again with a brand new LP. But will this be their last one?

    Picture above was taken in front of HMV Superstore in Toronto

    while waiting in line for their acoustic performance

    The album was recorded over a 12 month period from March 2008 and it was not until the band announced in April that their fourth album was to hit stores in summer 2009. And here it is now, Daisy. The album starts off with a classical piano melody and a lady singing? Rather odd and kind of makes you wonder if you picked up the wrong album. But of course, you didn’t- drums, screeching guitars and screaming overtakes the piano recital and you are introduced to Brand New’s, brand new album. Not what most expected for the first song in comparison to The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me’s “Slowing Season (Yeah)” but it is safe to say Brand New has the ability to go from quiet and peaceful to grating songs in a blink of an eye. As the album continues, we get the feeling through their slower songs in the album what the band itself may have planned for their future career.

    “I wish that my condition was new but I’m old and rusting” lyrics from “You Stole” defiantly leave people wondering what is truly meant. But perhaps front man Jesse Lacey can clear that up… “I think a lot of the record is about us trying to make decisions about how long the band should go on. When I listened back to it, I realized how many songs are about something coming to a close, or knowing when it’s time to put something away and move on.”

    Regardless of what it is that is “coming to a close”, listening to this album only makes you admire their musical talents even more. Each song powerful and interesting in its own way, Brand new deliverers to their fans a mix of something new, and some old musical habits. Yet, some fans aren’t too pleased with the mix of new and old. In an iTunes review, a fan said the album to be “off” and wouldn’t see themselves listening to it in their car and singing along, while other fans describe the album as “dark, moody, and awesome”.

    In my opinion, this album is nothing but brilliant. Brand New brings forth something different to the music industry like no other band.

    I was able to catch a live acoustic performance 2 days after their CD release here in Toronto’s HMV Superstore located right on Yonge st. off Dundas. I was left speechless and wanting more than 5, 6, songs.
    (Click here to listen to “At The Bottom”! )

    Brand New comes back to play not one, but two already sold out Toronto shows at the Kool Hause with supporting acts of Glass Jaw and Crime in Stereo on November 21st and 22nd.

    So all I have to say is go out to your nearest music store and grab a copy of Daisy for $14.99! Or buy it through iTunes for $9.99!

    For more information and concert listings visit www.myspace.com/brandnew

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    Sep
    29/09
    CD: Kingdoms – Daughters of Atlas EP
    Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:33
    Written by Josh Mahoney
    Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

    Album: Daughters of Atlas
    Artist: Kingdoms
    Release Day:     September 29th/2009
    iTunes store Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=332283620&s=143455

    Tracks:

    1. Split the Sky
    2. The Biltmore Hotel
    3. Pyramids
    4. Catharsis
    5. Telegraphic Static
    6. Atlantis
    7. La Sarena

    Kingdoms have finally made their way into stores, with their new album Daughters of Atlas which can be found at HMV for only 9.99!


    This picture was taken this morning by the bands vocalist, Hutton Wierzbicki

    This album is 27 minutes and 55 seconds of melodies, harmonies, singing, screaming and just plain old pure musicality. First of all, if you haven`t heard of these guys, that is probably because they have only been around for about a year now. They recently just signed to Underground Operations (Protest the Hero, Lights, These Silhouettes)

    The artwork on the album is incredible, designed by Sons of Nero who also have done designs for bands such as Dead and Divine, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Every Time I Die, Misery Signals and more. The CD case is one of the carboard ones, with the plastic disc holder on the inside (when you pick up a copy.. yes pick it up) you will understand what I mean. On the left are the lyrics, which are by no means simple. Huttons complex and witty way with words are stuck in your head for hours after hearing them. My two favourite songs are Pyramids and La Sarena.

    Adressing the actual songs themselves;
    Split the sky is a totally new recording, and at this point has up until the CD release only been heard on 88.3 Anger Management (check them out on stickam thursdays 10-12 http://stickam.com/883angermanagement). The Biltmore Hotel can also be heard on their myspace. The other 5 songs however  (Pyramids, Catharsis, Telegraphic Static, Atlantis, La Serena) are also available on their first EP (Atlantis) available for free download online . My guess is they most likely have taken it down by now!

    Their sound? Its hard to explain, all I can really say is that it is good. They remind me of a slightly more melodic misery signals, with vocals that are less low screams, and more pitching and singing involved.

    This album is definately something worth putting on your iPod, and being some of the top played songs in your iTunes. Head over to myspace, add these dudes, and check out their tour dates to see when they are hitting up a town near you!

    http://www.myspace.com/kingdoms

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