From the first time I heard the Blacklicious track Attica Black 20 years ago I fell in love with their music. Gift Of Gab is clearly one of the most talented MCs out there. His versatility allows how to layRead more…
Sólstafir – Ótta
I stumbled upon Icelandic metal act Sólstafir earlier this year at the Hard Luck Bar. I was there to see a friend who was in the opening act. I was told before the show that Sólstafir had been a blackRead more…
Mogwai – Rave Tapes
Mogwai has earned a reputation over the years for being one of the loudest bands around. Their first few records displayed a mastery over the quiet/loud dynamic as well as the use of repetition around a theme. (refer to classicRead more…
The Vines – Wicked Nature
The Vines have been staying fairly productive since exploding seemingly out of nowhere with hit song, “Get Free” and being tagged with The Strokes, The Hives and The White Stripes as the saviours of rock for the early 2000s. YetRead more…
Jesca Hoop – Undress
I don’t usually listen to folk singer-songwriters. But when I do, I listen to Jesca Hoop. In 2010 Jesca Hoop released “Hunting My Dress”. For her U.S. tour, in an opening slot for Eels, she performed as a solo acousticRead more…
Big Sugar – Yardstyle
“Yardstyle” is the latest release from Big Sugar. After taking a lengthy hiatus while bandleader Gordie Johnson was in Texas with Grady focusing on the his heavy blues persona, the band reformed in 2010 and released the heavily reggaefied “RevolutionsRead more…
Fozzy – Do You Wanna Start a War
Fozzy has been fighting an uphill battle since their inception. They originally formed as a cover-band with each member using a pseudonym. Guitarist “The Duke” was actually Rich Ward of Stuck Mojo fame and lead singer Mongoose McQueen was professionalRead more…
Night Mistress – Into The Madness
I stumbled upon Poland-based Night Mistress and their debut full-length “The Back of Beyond” while searching online for NWOBHM bands I hadn’t heard before. They stood apart from the pack with their fast-paced ragers, strong guitar leads and incredible vocalRead more…
Death From Above 1979 – The Physical World
Toronto’s bass and drum duo return with their first album after abruptly calling it a day 8 years ago. The band pleasantly shocked fans when they equally as abruptly reunited in 2011, which included a literally riotous SXSW set that sameRead more…
The Atlas Moth – The Old Believer
My first experience with The Atlas Moth was last September at Lee’s Palace. They were the opening act and put their melodic sludge metal on display. While I felt their set was a bit on the long side, as theRead more…