The shoegaze revival thing can feel really played out at times. There seems to be no shortage of bands willing to adopt the pattern of layering waves of distortion over barely decipherable vocals oohing and aahing. It can be hardRead more…
HSY – S/T
HSY’s self-titled EP is a dissonant, grumbling mass of noise. The production values are on the lo-fi end of the spectrum and the howling, atonal vocals sound like they were recorded inside a tunnel. It’s a throwback sound. An uglier,Read more…
In Flames – Siren Charms
This shouldn’t be such a big deal. Anyone who is stunned by In Flames’s seemingly sudden shift to easily-digestible alt-metal hasn’t been playing very close attention. This has been a long time coming. In Flames, renowned for originating the GothenburgRead more…
Buck 65 – Laundromat Boogie
Buck 65 is a musician that can never be accused of always doing the same thing. Over his career Buck has thrown quite a few knuckle balls to loyal fans. The difference between his folky almost country 2004 release Talkin’Read more…
Tales from the Bargain Bin: Clothes Make The Man
I recently picked up Clothes Make The Man’s self-titled record in a dollar bin on Queen West. The bin was actually on the sidewalk a couple feet from the store. It was almost as if the store was saying “please,Read more…
Playlist Monday – Same sample
I found this collection of songs on my computer that I had collected together for sharing the same sample. It’s always interesting to hear each artists different take on the same sound.
The Verve Pipe – Overboard
The Verve Pipe (not to be confused with that other band The Verve) formed in 1992 when Brian Vander Ark of Johnny With An Eye and Donny Brown of Water 4 the Pool decided to join forces and bring theirRead more…
U2 – Songs of Innocence
I took the opportunity to visit myself fifteen years ago. Here’s a transcript of our chat. Old Jon: Hi younger Jon! I’m you from the future! Younger Jon: Wow, that’s incredible! What’s the future like? OJ: Things are different now.Read more…
The Wyld – Abstract
The Wyld are a trio from New Zealand who blend rock and hip hop to create a unique sound. I first heard of these guys via Oddisee which is funny considering their break out song is titled Odyssey. Turns outRead more…
milo – a toothpaste suburb
A Toothpaste Suburb is the debut album from rapsmith Milo. Despite this being a debut he has previously released a number of EP’s and mixtapes as such he has an established style and sound. Milo’s rap style reminds me ofRead more…