Feature Reviews:

 


Cauterize - Disguises







Chris Cornell - Carry On







Interpol - Our Love To Admire







Ion Dissonance - Minus The Herd







It Prevails - The Inspiration







Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain







The Used - Lies For The Liars







The White Stripes - Icky Thump





Other Reviews:

3
The End Is Begun
4/5

Who It’s For: Fans of Coheed And Cambria who are looking for someone similar, yet different
Sounds Like: Experimental, proggy rock

The words experimental or progressive rock have a tendency to scare me. Usually they’re used to describe bands that are overly pretentious or just so bad that experimental is the only nice way to describe them. Luckily 3 is both experimental and progressive and good at being both. Headed up by Joey Eppard, 3 isn’t pretentious or bad they are interesting and just a little weird. Eppard uses a mix of falsetto and breathy vocals without being too creepy or annoying. But it’s the musicianship on this album that makes it work so well. The guitars are interesting and you’ll end up noticing different effects each time you listen.
If there’s one problem with The End Is Begun, it’s that it’s just a little too similar to the band’s previous release Wake Pig. But that seems to be a trend with most bands. Part of me wants their fanbase to build up because this is an album that deserves to be heard, but until that happens I’m happy being one of the few that understands the fantastic weirdness that is 3.
- Alyssa Caplin

Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
4/5

Who It’s For: If you’re feeling reflective, this album is definitely for you  
Sounds Like: A cross between Blue Rodeo and Neil Young

After taking a short hiatus, Ryan Adams returns with his most well-rounded album, Easy Tiger. The disc offers a solid dose of country-rock balladry without the self-indulgence he was often criticized for on previous work. The strength of Easy Tiger comes from its consistency; there is simply no filler and the album flows naturally. 
However, it is the disc’s lonesome and reflective sound that sticks out most. On “Two,” a duet featuring Sheryl Crow, Adams sings it takes two when it used to take one. Similar echoes are heard on “Tears Of Gold” - when you got the time, sit down and write me a letter.  But it is the harmonica in “I Taught Myself How to Grow Old” that best reflects the poignant sound of the album – very fitting for the closing track. 
Still, it’s not all about lament and tears on Easy Tiger. The band rocks out on “Halloweenhead,” and on the disc’s opening track, “Goodnight Rose.”  Overall, Ryan Adams succeeds at alternating between slow ballads and upbeat tracks, taking the listener on a musical journey of highs and lows.
- Giovanni Paola

Bad Religion
New Maps Of Hell
4.5/5

Who It’s For: People who their punk fast, smart and melodic
Sounds Like: Bad Religion with hints of Greg Graffin’s solo work

Some bands just consistently put out good albums and Bad Religion is one of those bands. As one of the top punk bands of the past decade or so their fanbase is legion and with good reason. Strong songwriting from Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz is showcased throughout the entire disc, without a single bad or uninteresting song to be found. Lead single “Honest Goodbye” is a little more mainstream than most of the band’s singles yet still completely sounds like Bad Religion.
It’s hard to pick songs that stand out more than others; however “New Dark Ages” and “Grains Of Wrath” are particularly solid. Greg Graffin’s vocals just keep getting better album-to-album and that’s evident in every song, and just when you’ve picked a favourite, you hear a new one that changes your mind.
New Maps of Hell is Bad Religion’s 14th studio release and each one is definitively them. If you only buy one punk album this year, this might be the one to get.
- Alyssa Caplin

Ceremonial Snips
Check Your Audio
4/5

Who It’s For: Party Animals
Sounds Like: Rhythm and Booze

Four years after they released their five song EP Fuck The Pain, Bring The Noise, the Ceremonial Snips triumphantly return with twelve adrenaline and party driven tracks. Their sound may have evolved and the lyrics have matured but this is still the killer record Snips fans have been expecting. This fast paced seven-piece band create a dynamic sound involving an awesome brass section and some good old DIY punk rock and roll roots and lots of “baditude.” The title track is a highlight on the album which is sure to get your feet moving along with the opener “Gazebo Of Love” and “Sans Inspiration.” The addition of “Fuck With The Rose” was also a great idea as a tribute to those who have been with the band from the beginning. The end of the album is a dark and furious attack on your ears (but a pleasant one) and definitely not one to miss. There is not too much diversity in terms of sound from song to song but that doesn’t really impair this great album.
- Lauren Garbutt

Driver Side Impact
The Very Air We Breathe
3.5/5

Who It’s For: People who would like harder dance rock
Sounds Like: Thursday vs. Panic! With a higher voice

With dance-rock becoming more and more popular, I can only expect to start receiving more CDs like Driver Side Impact’s first full-length effort The Very Air We Breathe. There’s a feeling here that this album should be thrown into the average pile.
While they aren’t exactly the style of Panic! At the Disco, there are definitely some similar elements with the keyboard to give the album that kind of touch to go with their rock stylings. The one element in the equation that didn’t go over well is singer Branden Langhals’s voice. While guys with high voices can fit in well to some outfits, this doesn’t sound like one.
Maybe the next time around Driver Side Impact will come through with something better than average and make a step out of mediocrity.
- Dan Bilicki

The Fall of Troy
Manipulator
3.3/5

Who It's For: People that dig poppy experimental prog rock
Sounds Like: Kind of At The Drive In and Blood Brothers, but not as good

Fall of Troy's third full length release will definitely be disappointing to some, but might find some fans. It depends on what aspects you like about this band the most. The classic elements that made Fall of Troy appealing on previous albums seem to have been toned down. There are less crazy tempo changes and more mellow distortion so the songs seem to be a little more cohesive. For instance the first of twelve tracks just jumps right in with no introduction at all and the second track is similar. The third track is a little more favourable with its slower tempo and intro before it speeds up. It seems the album gets better the further you go into it. The guitar is still fast and the vocals just as manic when he screams and as calm when he doesn't but they sound cleaner. They still maintain that experimental prog rock sound but it's a little different this time, more pop. "Caught Up" might surprise some people though as it is just Thomas Erak going solo which is a total switch up from the rest of this album. Decent effort but not quite there.
- Lauren Garbutt

Gallows
Orchestra Of Wolves
4/ 5

Who It’s For: Those who like their post-punk with a little edge
Sounds Like: What Enter Shikari would sound like if they were as good as their hype says

If Gallows are getting big props from magazine covers and metal heads everywhere it’s not because of industry hype or Dior suits. This English quintet took a mere two years to tie down their post-hardcore vs. At The Drive In-isms to make a deep impression on Screamo fans everywhere. What impresses most is getting brutal and clever in equal measure (excellent single “Abandon Ship” with its live show video, the Hammond organ on “Rolling With The Punches” and superb centrepiece “Orchestra Of Wolves”) while never being predictable. I like them because the singer is both angry and ginger, you should like them because Orchestra Of Wolves is a great record.
- Kid Lupin

Madina Lake
From Them, Through Us, To You
3/5

Who It’s For: Kids who want to dye their hair black and wear fishnets at Warped Tour.
Sounds Like: Any band on Warped Tour who has dyed their hair black and bought fishnets

Madina Lake could have done something with this album, but instead they have opted to play it safe, very safe for the most part. The majority of the disc sounds like something you probably already own if you are thinking of buying From Them, Through Us, To You. Then every once and a while they drop these little hints of brilliancy into the album to make you think, “Gee these guys could really be good.” Maybe it’s age and experience that are holding them back. If they take what they are good at instead of going the easy route Madina Lake could have a big following of kids. For now, I’m sure they will have fans because they sound enough like others (My Chemical Romance meets Taking Back Sunday), but it won’t be the love it could be.
- Stephanie Joudrey

New Years Day
My Dear
3.5/5

Who It’s For: Young girls who need to be shown how to be a confident young lady.
Sounds Like: Chick pop punk

Girl pop punk is questionable, because it has a tendency to all sound the same. New Years Day although good, does stay in the same sound range as other girl fronted pop punk bands. The difference comes in the lyrics. This is not a girl who misses her boyfriends and wants them to come back. This is a modern woman. One who says screw you, I’m better off alone. Over and over again, lead singer Ashley Hittesdorf tells us why she doesn’t need that latest man in her life. It’s liberating to listen to really as she sings, If I had just one bullet and a trigger I’d pull it/Shoot my cupid out of the sky/Break off his wings and gouge out his eyes/And thank him for nothing because that’s all that he gave to me (“Ready Aim Misfire”) Fine, New Years Day isn’t for everyone. I can’t imagine anyone’s father actually enjoying this disc, but girls everywhere should unite on this one and play tracks like “My Sweet Un-Valentine” and “You’ll Only Make It Worse” instead of moping around eating ice cream to get over boys.
- Stephanie Joudrey

Pride Tiger
Lucky Ones
4.5/5

Who It’s For: Anybody who can appreciate classic rock
Sounds Like: Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple (There, I said it)

Tired of every rock act sounding like the exact same 3 or 4 bands? Where have the guitar solos gone you may ask? Well, you need look no further than British Columbia’s very own, Pride Tiger. Armed with enough guitar riffs to wake Hendrix from eternal rest, this band does what many people used to do, and not enough people do anymore. They bring good old rock. You know, the type you’re mom and pops used to listen to, back when they were cool (BELIEVE IT!). If you don’t believe me, just play tracks like 56 Days, or Sweet Dreams and watch them drift off into a trance-like state, where every night there’s a jailbreak and it’s celebrated with a keg and good tunes. Pray to the guitar Gods that the dual assault of Bobby Froese and Sunny Dhak stick together for a long time to come, otherwise it’s all those same 3 or 4 bands that just aren’t Pride Tiger.
- Ryan O’Shaughnessy

The Saint Alvia Cartel
S/T
3.5/5

Who It’s For: People looking to have a good time.
Sounds Like: A Hybrid mix of The Clash and Rancid.

Well folks, here it is. The album you’ve all been waiting for. A year ago, when The St. Alvia Cartel formed out of the ashes of Jersey, Boys Night Out, Grade and The Video Dead, heads rose and ears perked up. Touring through the summer and the fall, it’s a wonder that the band had any time to record a full-length, but at long last it is finally here. And did they ever pick the right time to release an album, because if there’s one thing you can say about their self-titled debut, it’s that it reeks of summer.

With its punk-reggae sound, most noticeably on tracks like “Dirty Dent” and “Don’t Wanna Wait Forever,” you’re most likely gonna be hearing this album at every backyard barbeque you go to this summer. Is there anything wrong with that? Not really, though whether or not the album has the lasting power to carry through the seasons or remain a summer novelty remains to be seen. Until then, there’s nothing wrong with kicking back, drinking a cold one and letting The Saint Alvia Cartel carry you away.
- Ryan O’Shaughnessy

Ulrich Schnauss
Goodbye
4/ 5

Who It’s For: The Eternally Coming Down, and those feeling disappointed with Air of late. Junior Boys fans will also find a bit of a love affair here too.
Sounds Like: My Bloody Valentine on heroin

Domino Records keeps its reputation as home to the most diverse of musical styles by putting out Schnauss’ third album, and first under his own name. Previous fans – most from Germany by the sound of it – will adore Goodbye, finding the same mix of Antarctic synths and vocal fog as breakthrough sophomore album A Strangely Isolated Place. It’s a pity that Ulrich’s two key influences are My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins, because he does just sound exactly like their bastard child. But on the other hand he makes such a good job of it, and with nothing on Goodbye even remotely second rate (the attention he pays to the beats is delirious) that you should seek it out, not least because you will NEVER hear it on The Edge.
- Kid Lupin

Tupelo Honey
The September Sessions
2.5/5

Who It’s For: Fans of Nickelback, Daughtry or any of those bands
Sounds Like: Rock

Tupelo Honey has the type of rock sound that works perfectly in any small club show and despite talent usually has a hard time translating to big radio play. Even on this five song EP you can hear the energy these guys have put into their music. It starts off with a good rock song, “Because Of You,” which suddenly makes your head turn half way through when they really start giving it their all. That head turning quality is what is going to take them wherever they go.  Vocalist Matt Landry has got a very common voice; on songs like “Make Me Believe” you can hear anyone from Chad Kroeger to Chris Daughtry to Chris Cornell singing this track along with the rest of the disc. I don’t mean for that to be an insult, it really shows the level of song writing, but maybe they should push themselves a little further to keep our heads turning.
- Stephanie Joudrey

The Actual
In Stitches
2.5/5

Who It’s For: High school pop-rock fans who aren’t yet tired of pop-rock
Sounds Like: An edgier version of Good Charlotte, with less posing

This California-based pop-rock quartet offers some catchy licks and fun choruses on their second album, In Stitches. The problem, however, is that it gets old fast. There is simply nothing here we haven’t heard before by bands like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan and Sum 41, just to name a few.
Still, The Actual are not as annoying or as gimmicky as the aforementioned bands. The darker approach on songs like “The Pride Of Echelon” and “September Had A Trigger Finger” separates them from other pop-punk rock bands, but only slightly. Cheesy lyrics such as this is the worst day of my life, do you want to come over 
With Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver fame having co-produced the disc, these guys might have a chance.  Otherwise, don’t count on them sticking around for too long.  And if you’re expecting anything resembling Weiland’s bands, don’t be fooled.
- Giovanni Paola
  contaminate this disc. It may very well entertain a teenager who wants to hook up with the boy or girl next door, but at the end of the day it’s bland and repetitive.

Amber Pacific
Truth in Sincerity
3.4/5

 Who It’s For: Fans of pop-punk.
Sounds Like: That good-intentioned boy in high school singing pop-punk.

 If you’re looking for depth in music or some sort of meaning, don’t look towards Amber Pacific. While the Seattle-based band is entertaining and easy to listen to, their music should be taken at face value as nothing more than your average pop-punk album.
Every song off of Truth In Sincerity is catchy and laden with hooks which helps the listening experience. A problem with the album is that the songs aren’t distinguishable from each other and can’t really be told apart. The fact that the songs come across as formulaic hurts the album.
While all the pieces fit together well, it just doesn’t seem like Amber Pacific put themselves fully into their work. By improving their lyrics, they could be better than just a side-stage act at the Warped Tour.
- Dan Bilicki

Boys Night Out
S/T
3.5/5

Who It’s For: Fans of post-hardcore
Sounds Like: Boys Night Out

Every band has that one defining album and for Boys Night Out it was their previous one, Trainwreck, which causes a problem with their new album. Although this self-titled disc is a good, solid effort from the band, it just doesn’t live up to the brilliance that was Trainwreck. The songs are good, the melodies strong, but it all sounds like just another Boys Night Out album, without the cohesiveness of Trainwreck. Obviously it’s not fair to compare a concept album to one that isn’t but when that album was your most successful to date, it’s going to happen.
That said there are some standout tracks on this disc. “The Heirs Of Error” is one of the strongest songs with its occasional gang like vocals and closer “It Won’t Be Long,” is a pretty, ballad like song that begs for repeated listens.
Though the album isn’t as fantastic as Trainwreck, it’ll still be a favourite with fans of the band. I just wish there just something more going on.
- Alyssa Caplin

The Destro
As The Coil Unwinds
3/5

Who It’s For: People who didn’t listen to metal in the early ‘90’s
Sounds Like: Pantera, Sepultura, and Lamb Of God

Don’t mess with Texas indeed. This debut CD from the south’s new riff-mongers is impressive at first glance, but falls short in the long run. Full of no-nonsense riffs and unbelievably thick low end, this album spews hate in every direction for its 46 minutes. Reeking of Pantera and completely devoid of vocal melody, Destro manage to be disappointing and inspiring at the same time. If you dig bands like Pantera, Sepultura and Lamb of God make sure to check these guys out. If not, steer clear, you’ll only be left wanting more.
- Spencer Lavigne

Ellegarden
Eleven Fire Crackers
1.5/5

Who It’s For: Indie pop fans
Sounds Like: Very, very, very poppy punk

I am completely out of the closet with my love of pop punk, but Ellegarden pushes the limits even for me. That said for those who can stomach it, Eleven Fire Crackers is a pretty solid debut. They have pulled in every necessary element. This band hails from Japan, which makes this English album even most impressive. Once you know they aren’t from an English country you start to hear the accent more and I suppose give them a little leeway in their over-usage of that whiney voice we associate with male-fronted pop punk bands. There are two tracks done in Japanese which are probably the coolest part of this disc to see how the language translates into this style of music and although I don’t have a clue what they are saying they are probably some of the strongest sounding tunes here.
- Stephanie Joudrey

Joe Keithley and his Band of Rebels
Band of Rebels
3/5

Who It's For: Curious fans of D.O.A.
Sounds Like: Predictive punk rock

For Joey Shithead Keithley it should only be a natural progression to expand his sound from his legendary Vancouver punk band D.O.A. While D.O.A. almost hits the thirty year mark Joe has formed his Band of Rebels to record an album with solid punk rock and roll roots that branches out and expands into other genres. Politically themed with calls for revolution and attacks on the music business and big corporations, Keithley lashes out against the usual suspects. As far as the music goes, it's nothing to phone home about but there are some pretty good tracks and the band makes use of elements from various genres, for example in “Bust Me Loose” there is a reggae/ska feel whereas in “Fuck The Corporation” there is a funky vibe and he even raps. The band makes use of piano and saxophone in many tracks as Keithley delivers his gruff vocals. The album overall isn't too exciting and despite the inclusion of various elements the tracks are fairly monotone throughout, regardless it's worth a listen, especially for curious Keithley fans.
- Lauren Garbutt

Metric
Grow Up And Blow Away
4.7/5

Who It’s For: Anyone who likes girl rock, any fans of Emily Haines and anyone who thought they didn’t like Metric.
Sounds Like: Really good female fronted indie rock. Metric with a twist.

This album was originally released in 1999 when Metric was a two-piece and James Shaw sang as well (at least I’m assuming it’s him), but is now being officially re-released probably because they can now make money off of it. If you already know and love other Metric albums, Grow Up And Blow Away is a cool experience because although it’s in the same realm, it’s so different. Haines often comes across as confident, yet cold, but here she mixes that with something very sweet. She creates a mix of the Metric you know and her solo work; check out “Hardwire” for the prime example. The song arrangements themselves are even different; the sound is more natural and soothing then their newer work as in the best song on the disc “Soft Rock Star.” There are these amazing standout tracks like “Rock Me Now” which is almost a spoken word story that you would never get on a regular Metric track. Anyone who already loves the band should definitely pick this album up just to know what this band is capable of. It gives them a depth that makes them even better.
- Stephanie Joudrey

Paramore
Riot!
3.2/5

Who It’s For: Your little sister, and the boy she’s dating.
Sounds Like: The band Dolly Parton might have started if she wasn’t so ‘country’

Anybody who has caught a Paramore performance, either at Warped Tour or on one of their few tours through Canada, knows that Paramore is not your average, run-of-the-mill pop-punk band. Is it because they write better songs? No. Is it their catchy hooks? Maybe a little bit. But the true strength of this Tennessee quartet lies in its 18-year old frontperson Hayley Williams.
With a voice as strong as any young pop starlet (likely better than most of them), and enough charisma and energy to make a Britney Spears video look like a warm-up, young Williams helps lift what would be a mediocre album for most bands and turns it into something you’d be proud to have on your shelf…if you were sixteen. That said, where Paramore’s greatest strength lies in its singers youth and charisma, it also translates into their greatest weakness. Being a young band, they know their audience and none of their songs seem to be written for anybody who isn’t younger than 18. Sure, there’s always going to be teenagers out there who love this music, but what a shame it would be to see such a talent go to waste.
- Ryan O’Shaughnessy

Raising The Fawn
Sleight Of Hand
3/5

Who It's For: Indie rock lovers
Sounds Like: Original

This album can be classically Raising The Fawn in some respects - creative, often mellow, but in others they have taken their creativity in another direction. This album is unusually short for a Raising The Fawn album, clocking in at just over forty minutes, and it seems to be more focused on melody and includes more pop elements. This dedicated indie rock three piece have created a more atmospheric, melodic record without the old endearing crackling sounds. Instead the album is cleaner and more produced than past releases. It is definitely more of a studio album than anything so one wonders how this new material will sound live in comparison to their past works which are always awesome in live performance. Regardless, the album has its memorable songs such as “Cypress Fields” and “The Cliffdivers.” The end track “A Lion In Winter,” is a great display of Raising The Fawn’s writing capabilities. This album takes a few listens to get into but once you're in it's a nice experience.
- Lauren Garbutt

SHITDISCO
Kingdom of Fear
3.5/5

Who It’s For: New ravers, non-self conscious dancers
Sounds Like: The Klaxons, CSS

Yet another notch in the headboard of dance floor disco punk, SHITDISCO has delivered an album sure to keep you moving.
It’s the kind of album with songs that sound similar, but it’s alright. Adding a slower song would ruin the album completely and I would have given it a lower rating for sure.
After the first beat of “Kung Fu,” I knew this was a skinny pale guy’s dance album sure to get repeat listens while having a beer with friends or when I feel like shaking my hair alone in my room.
Thanks, Glasgow for giving me another reason to live Scottish music.
- Cody McGraw

Toasters
One More Bullet
3/5

Sounds Like: The Specials, English Beat, Bad Manners

One more bullet is the 15^th full length CD from these ska giants. Boasting the longest running ska band is a bit of a feat, and one that I think they should check into as there are many bands still kickin’ the can from the late 70’s early eighties. Just 'cause they don’t put CDs out in your hood don’t mean they are done and gone.
One More Bullet a great disc for hardcore old school ska fans from the first track “What A Gwan” with its callout style ska to “Your Gonna Pay,” where the Toasters came to party and the horns make your feet tap.
The sign of a good ska album is if it makes you want to stop your car and get out and skank. Well, One More Bullet made me feel like this on more than one occasion.
For a good time call the Toasters.
- Adam Rayfield

The Unseen
Internal Salvation
3.5/5

Who It's For: Fans that like to sing along
Sounds Like: A band to see live

The Unseen have seen an increase in popularity lately and have now returned with yet another street punk gem to further that. Internal Salvation’s thirteen tracks capture the energetic, lively and biting personality of the band on a fast paced, punked out album. The style and genre are nothing new and similar to past works, maybe even a little less exciting, but this band has created their sound well enough to set them apart from other bands. With their grating guitar and gang vocals, this band just screams to be seen live as exemplified in “Breakaway” and “Let It Go.” Another thing this band has going for them are their socially empowered lyrics as they sing about a range of topics including dying and conforming. Notable tracks include “Such Tragedy” and “Right Before Your Eyes.” Overall this album is decent and worth a listen, but definitely listen to it before you spend the money!
- Lauren Garbutt