always listening
To some, classifying metal records can be a fun exercise in applying hyphens, creative adjectives or physical locations (i.e. blackened-death-metal, pirate metal, or Gotenburg metal) To others, the pigeonholing can be restrictive and cumbersome. Especially when you’re the artist andRead more…
To many people, Harvey Danger is nothing more than their one big hit “Flagpole Sitta”. It’s a shame, really. There have been plenty of one hit wonders. Especially in the 90’s when it became commonplace for labels to push bandsRead more…
“Proving Grounds” is the debut full length from Toronto metal throwbacks Midnight Malice. It was produced by Ian Blurton which gives it some pedigree. As far as speed-metal goes It’s pretty by the numbers. Imagine if Motley Crue released aRead more…
“We’re all in the Twilight Zone where everyone thinks it’s still the 90’s” joked Sloan frontman Chris Murphy. In an evening that featured performances by four bands that enjoyed their most commercial success during that decade, it was a chanceRead more…
I Mother Earth was a Can-rock staple in the 90’s. They ruled the airwaves, seemed to constantly be in heavy rotation on Muchmusic and had more hit singles than just about anyone. Led by Jag and Christian Tanna, they wereRead more…
Eve 6 scored their first record deal while they were still in high school. Their self-titled debut went to #1 on the modern rock charts on the back of hit single “Inside Out.” Their second album “Horrorscope” spawned the highRead more…
A Place To Bury Strangers is a loud frickin’ band. If you go to one of their shows unprepared you will almost certainly lose your hearing for the next couple days after and likely suffer some sort of permanent damage.Read more…
At Plastic and Wax we enjoy a good playlist. In honour of the upcoming “retro” Edgefest, here’s six slices of 90’s Can-Rock for you. Pure – Anna is a Speed Freak Doughboys – Fix Me The Pursuit of Happiness –Read more…
Toronto has become a hotbed for old school heavy metal. One of the bands leading the charge is Skull Fist and their latest album “Chasing the Dream” is their best effort to date. With a nod to some of theRead more…
Twenty years ago The Offspring released Smash: the highest selling independent record of all time. It sold over ten million copies. It brought spawned two humungous hit singles in “Come Out and Play” and “Self-Esteem.” It (along with Green Day’sRead more…