+44
When Your Heart Stops Beating
3.5/5

Since the break up of Blink 182, it’s become clear which members are still friends and who isn’t. The band is now split in two with Tom DeLonge’s self proclaimed rock saving, Angels and Airwaves on one side and Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker’s +44 on the other. While +44 isn’t the best new band ever, it’s pretty much a good representation of the direction Blink could’ve gone in. Drawing on the less punk more dance pop/rock sound from the last Blink album, +44 have made a cohesive album that at times sounds like it was inspired by the 80’s. Lead single “When Your Heart Stops Beating” is a good indication of the songs on the album, but by no means the best. “155” with its dance beats is about as far away from Blink as it gets and “No It Isn’t” is the song that will be played on repeat after a relationship goes bad. It’s really too bad that Blink is gone, but at least +44 makes up for the gap.
- Alyssa Caplin

Brandon Paris Band
On My Own
2/5

Lately every time I turn on the radio I find my self screaming out loud “Haven’t we heard enough?!” With bands like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan and All American Rejects, haven’t we heard enough of this wuss rock, or what I like to call ugly pop?
The Brandon Paris Band obviously disagrees. With their new release On My Own, Brandon Paris and his crew produce an album that is as visionless as its name.
The only remotely interesting track on this disc is a song called “Beatbox Interlude” whose 51 seconds of surprisingly good beat box rhythms saves this disc from being outright boring.
- Julie Hunter

The Curtains
Calamity
5/5

The Curtains are a joy to listen to.
It has been some time since this humble reviewer heard something as individualistic as Calamity. This is fitting as The Curtains are a one-man affair – Chris Cohen sings and plays all the instruments himself with the exception of some overdubbed harmonies and keyboards.
A lot of these one man shows turn into more “progressive” affairs. Although the studio flash may be here with the many instruments and feedback squalls, Cohen has kept the rest of Calamity very low key and he deserves a salute for it. The hook and chorus of “Tornado’s Traveler” is infectious, while the melodic breakdowns of “Brunswick Stew” are a necessary glorious mess.
No record is 100 per cent perfect, but the lesser points of Calamity are too few to name and its impact on the ears is truly cathartic.
Bravo.
- James Burt

Diddy
Press Play
1.5/5

What can I say about Diddy that hasn’t been said before? The trite and cheap muddle of tracks on this brand spanking new album say it all, really. Where the first few tracks are relatively listenable, the album goes downhill as it goes on and on and on. Diddy tries to make his popularity shine with horrific guest appearances by the likes of Xtina, Jamie Foxx, Ciara, Brandy, Big Boi, and many more. A surprising appearance is made by Nas, whose verse on the track “Everything I Love” makes listening to the album almost worthwhile. Other than that, this album is a jumble of regurgitated dribble that protrudes so far out of Bad Boy Records’ bank account that it hurts me and all my family and friends.
-Graham Losee

Gliss
Love The Virgins
3.4/5

Love The Virgins has two sounds. Sometime it sounds like a cross the best record Madonna never made and The Cure (opener “I Want You” or “Innocent Eyes,” both very pleasant). The rest of the time it sounds just like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact its pretty faithfully rendered copy of the first BRMC album, but I just wish they’d been a little more discreet about it. Very good album, sadly someone else made it already a few years ago.
- Kid Lupin

Into Eternity
The Scattering Of Ashes
3.5/5

Schizophrenic is definitely one way to describe the sound of Regina, Saskatchewan’s Into Eternity. Sonically running the gamut of metal’s history, this band has churned out another fine new offering in The Scattering Of Ashes. Moments of progression, death, and power metal are all over the disc and back.
The Death inspired “Out,” really stands out as a highlight of the album. “A Past Beyond Memory,” teases you with a moment or two of Meshuggah and Coalesce worship, then whiplashes you right back into some off-time Death-like thrash. Throughout The Scattering Of Ashes you’ll find meanderings towards Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, the aforementioned Death, and various other death metal bands.
Overall, any metal fan should be able to find parts that they find enjoyable or accessible. To make a solid comparison to another band, Into Eternity might share the same vision as Protest The Hero at times, just with less of a punk rock feel. This is definitely not a bad thing though. All the spastic moments and metal gallops make for a decent listen. Into Eternity are a more than competent metal band and they have proved that once again with The Scattering Of Ashes.
- Michael Kopko


Lemonheads
S/T
4.6/5

It seems like every time life has given Evan Dando lemons, he’s come out with an album’s worth of three minute sugar-pop packed with so many delicious melodies it’s nothing but a surefire recipe to bring a smile to a face. Thankfully not straying far from what made It’s A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads so great, Dando shows listeners he hasn’t lost his hook-writing touch in “Black Gown” and “In Passing.” Although on “Become The Enemy” and “Baby’s Home” Dando slows it down, and shows us the pain behind the flowery melodies that normally mask the troubled soul. Now a little older and singing about problems someone 15 years later sings about (broken marriage, etc), Dando seems to only write in the realm of infectiousness he once dominated the airwaves with.
- Dan Hamilton 

Lotus Child
Gossip Diet
4.5/5

**Caution! Those with small IQ’s and low brain function need not listen! **
With piano solos worthy of a concert hall, vocals that seep into the skin and lyrics that would make Einstein sit back and examine life, Lotus Child transcends music genres and bestows an intelligent album upon the masses, of which the likes have yet to be heard before.
Lotus Child plays with their listeners by flowing with beautiful melodies then rocking out to powerful chords while maintaining their insightful lyrics.
With such power and playfulness it is amazing that Lotus Child have yet to be signed to an indie label never mind a major label, but give those execs some time, once they realize that the masses are ready for smart music Lotus Child will be the first band signed
-Julie Hunter


Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Love Their Country
3/5

So now Me First are going country. They’ve done everything else so why not? Well, the first not for me is that I’m not really familiar with 80 per cent of these songs. I’m just not a country girl. I can’t compare it to the originals, not that it’s necessary when it’s these guys doing the covers. They’ve done some hits from every era of the genre with oldies like “On The Road Again” and “So Lonesome I Could Cry,” as well as some newer tracks like The Dixie Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl.” I wouldn’t say there were any real high points on the disc, but there are no low dips. A few of the tracks are pretty damn good, Fat Mike’s Kenny Rogers is kind of humorous as is his Garth Brooks, but not outstanding. It’s Me First and if you love them you know what to expect!
- Stephanie Joudrey


Sarah Slean
Orphan Music
4/5

I admit I was pretty much blind to Sarah Slean’s music before being handed Orphan Music. I knew of her, if that counts for anything. But Orphan Music has changed all that and really proves that we have more female talent to offer the world than Celine Dion. Orphan Music is mainly a live concert disc, with a few special studio track throw into the mix. Most of the songs are simply Slean and a piano and her voice soaring out over everything else. She’s got this Broadway style power that complete blows competitors out of the water and stripped from a full band it sounds pretty incredible. She starts with the single “Lucky Me” and plays pretty much everything from her Day One disc. If you’ve never heard Slean, go listen to this album. Slean proves she’s not just cute onstage.
- Stephanie Joudrey

Army Of Anyone
S/T
3/5

Army Of Anyone have the potential for greatness, in theory anyways. With Richard Patrick (Filter) and the DeLeo brothers (Stone Temple Pilots) teaming up in what is now the newest instalment of post-grunge “supergroups,” there seems to be something missing. While the songs off of their debut, self-titled album sound like you’d expect, a combination of STP music with Filter vocals, without a strong presence, like Dave Navarro in The Panic Channel or Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver, nothing seems to stand out. With a good chunk of the songs sounding remarkably similar to the one before it, it’s debatable if any one song could stand on its own. Maybe if the other aforementioned “supergroups” hadn’t released some solid music in recent years, Army Of Anyone might’ve stood a chance to stand out but in comparison they really could just be anyone.
-Alyssa Caplin

The Brightest Diamond
Bring Me the Workhorse
4/5

The Brightest Diamond is not a band – it’s a solo act featuring Shara Warden. Her new disc Bring Me the Workhorse is indeed a labour of hard work by someone committed, compassionate, and strong.
The track “Gone Away” is probably one of the best break-up songs ever, and “We Were Sparkling” gives a beautiful and odd combination of gothic nature and unrequited love with the aid of a disquieted electric guitar.
True, there is a lot of instrumentation to musically enhance all emotions here. But it is how tasteful the arrangements are handled in such a subtle fashion to help make the lyrics that much more believable. Had this sort of music been given to someone else, the results may have turned into a half baked punk combo.
- James Burt

The Decemberists
The Crane Wife
4/5

The unique thing about the Decemberists is the story telling. The music speaks for itself, but the soft 1960’s folk element of gentle engaging stories in the Decemberists songs keeps you engaged in the album. The Crane Wife is built beautifully in its musical talents leading you up and down as the story flares up and grabs you. “The Island…” sounds like Uriah Heep with flashy organ parts and booming instrumentation but finishes how it starts 13 minutes earlier with a calming lullaby of acoustics. The pop sensibility of the songs and the warm, enchanting elements of instrumentation are complimented by an opposite attraction of serious proclamation such as on “Yankee Banquet.” This gorgeous, bouncy album plays as though it’s the soundtrack to a Broadway musical, can we thank Green Day for bringing the rock opera back? You can’t not smile and tap out beats on your legs while listening to this record and it has been released at the most perfect time because the story and sound of this record is undoubtedly a fall record. It will brighten your cold grey day the same way your trendy woollen scarf will.
- Jackson Main

The Dunes
Socializing W/ Life
3.8/5

There is not much to say about The Dunes new release Socializing W/ Life except that the title should be changed to Socializing W/ Brilliance. With the first track “Now” (which really should be entitled “Never”) The Dunes give us exactly what we expect from an unknown band: a bad, loud and unoriginal alternative song that begs you to turn off the radio for good. After suffering The Dunes attempt at a top 40 song, brilliance strikes and songs like “Sunflower Eyes” and “Hurry Up” whose haunting vocals over melodic but powerful lines show us what The Dunes can really do; play. Although this may not be their break-out record (the ever changing song style breaks the album up and makes it hard to listen to straight through) wait because they will have one, but until then pick up a copy and enjoy a refreshing take on alt-pop.
-Julie Hunter

Greg Keelor
Aphrodite Rose
3.8/5

When you think of Greg Keelor, images of Blue Rodeo and dark and intriguing solo albums stream to the surface but never do you picture an early 70’s influenced bluesy pop record that rivals the likes of old Tom Petty and The Byrds albums.
With Keelor’s newest addition to his solo album repertoire, Aphrodite Rose, combines elements of blues, rock, country and even melancholy phrasing to create an album that is as unique as the skilful artist who created it.
The album, though interesting and well played, is intended for an older audience who will fully appreciate the full dynamics of the music and savour the memories of a life past that will come flooding back
-Julie Hunter


The Human Abstract
Nocturne
3/5

A sharp shot to the arm is what Nocturne brings you from beginning to end. An intense and spasmodic journey through metal, hardcore, and different worlds in between, THA is out to mess up your head, that’s for sure. A definitely technically proficient band, The Human Abstract takes a somewhat familiar stab at their style of music.
Destructive double kick and an impressive guitar display drive the album. From soaring vocals to death metal snarl, arpeggio guitar noodlings to tap-on leads, staccato chugging and driving double kick drums, this band has their hand in many musical dimensions. Moments comparable to Meshuggah and Killswitch Engage litter the disc.
In closing, it seems that The Human Abstract is a different realization of Protest The Hero. Not to say that THA is ripping off PTH but they definitely write similar music. It’s good to see both bands are friends and touring together, or cries of foul may be in order (in the favour of PTH)!
- Michael Kopko

I
Between Two Worlds
3/5

Black Metal for the layman? Could it be? Considering this band is made up of legendary Black Metallers such as members of Immortal, Enslaved, and Sahg, you’d think it would be the greatest, most abrasive tribute to the dark lord the world had seen yet! What you actually get are four dudes (five if you count the official position of lyricist that ex-Immortal member Demonaz holds) that really like to rock out a la Motorhead. Your final result has this album pioneering a sort of Black Rock as opposed to Metal sound.
Three chords and a dirty guitar tone permeate the entire disc. Band frontman, formerly of Immortal, Abbath, sounds like a sober Lemmy Kilmeister of Motorhead fame, except without the occasional bellowing bass-y tone. The fourth and fifth tracks, “Battalions” and “Mountains,” respectively, bring back the black metal flair with fast picking, low pitched snarls, and a bit of a breakdown of sorts. The mid paced tempo of “Far Beyond The Quiet” has its stoner-like moments and it tells a story of a long journey and ice and snow or something- clearly more black metal nuances.
Overall, I has some catchy moments, but it suffers from the monotony almost any black metal has to offer. Sure the Motorhead worship makes it kind of fun, but even still, Motorhead is a little hard to listen to at times.
- Michael Kopko

Kevin Devine
Put Your Ghost To Rest
3.2/5

Kevin Devine has a lot of things going for him; a steal-your-heart voice, the ability to write a catchy guitar riff, and an uncanny ability to commit thought thievery with all his listeners’ minds. However, it isn’t enough to overcome one of the toughest obstacles of all, the human attention span. Coming down with a bad case of “Fevers and Mirrors Era Conor Oberst” Syndrome, Kevin leaves us with six minute acoustic ditties that consist of a seemingly endless line of verses and nowhere a hook in sight. However, when he puts his ideas out in a three minute pop delicatessen like “You’re Trailing Yourself” I see a glimpse of a songwriter finding himself and most likely finding a larger audience in the future.
- Dan Hamilton


Neil Leyton
The Betrayal Of The Self
4/5

Listen #1 - Leyton sounds pretty dull and derivative. Everyone is allegedly doing country punk these days.
Listen #2 - Dull and derivative goes out the window as you notice that the ex- The Conscience Pilate and Passion'd Flower has a better take on post-Americana (Canadiana?) than most of the flakes out there.
Listen #3 - Places this, his third album, in the same pile of sturdy record-makers as Ryan Adams, Paul Westerberg, and the Stones.
Listen #4 onwards - why take it out of your CD player? Betrayal Of The Self is packed with slow-to-reveal-themselves secrets.
Now stop reading this. Buy it and play it really loud!
- Kid Lupin

Yoko Casionos
These Are The New And Old Times
4/5

If you’re familiar with the construction of most pop songs you’ll be able to predict where all of these songs are going, they’re practically spelled out for you. But not everyone has to be Radiohead. We need sweet indie pop that smiles and winks at you and that is what Yoko Casionos do. Even the songs that try and sound dark with a longing of love like “Nice to Meet You” you can tell are being sung with a smirk as front man Chad Reid probably bats his eyes at some indie cutie in the front row. Chad takes turns singing with Misty Reid who adds a much needed female voice to the record. Without it, it would just be another indie band in the pile. But Misty’s soft voice floating over the up tempo songs like stand out song “My Dreams Sci- Fi” with a sharp Fender sounds echoing through a reverb chamber makes the band that much more unique. Fans of 90’s indie pop will enjoy this thoroughly and kids born in 1991 will thinks it’s unique because everyone is listening to Alexisonfire now.
- Jackson Main