"Whatever Doesn't Kill Me" Premiere

I mentioned casting for this earlier, so it's only fitting that I present the finished product. The use of those extras is rather amusing; I understand the "ability to run" requirement now. Otherwise, I like the mic, lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the ornate rug. Good lighting and a circling camera made the simple video into something sophisticated. This album, Life Turns Electric, has really impressed me.

Live video teaser: Dommin

They don't seem to have a very diverse fanbase, do they?
If you're open to darker, atmospheric rock, Dommin is a good place to start. Don't be misled- they're not an emo pop punk group; Kristofer Dommin has a rather deep tone and their production is sound. I got hooked on the chime intro of "My Heart, Your Hands", their first single. LIYL AFI, Tokio Hotel, The Atomica Project.

Also premiered today was Finger Eleven's "Whatever Doesn't Kill Me". I'll get a video posted once its available online.

Exposé: I Am Empire

(Joshua Case, Dan Otis, Austin Lyons, Andrew Stanton; source)

Origin: San Jose, CA, United States
Genre: alternative rock, pop punk

I Am Empire is an inspiring young independent outfit. Their debut release I Am Empire made Christian mainstream charts a couple times last year, and earned them a deal with record-label Tooth & Nail this August. The upcoming album (titled, Kings) is set for January 25th, 2011. I'm always impressed by that label's ability to sign fantastic artists.

Their natural success and musical style remind me of Anberlin (who are currently touring with Circa Survive and named as one of I Am Empire's influences). It's refreshing to see another band whose aggressiveness is purely a side effect of having fun on their set.


Straight rock with a tint of punk comprises most of the 2009 album, responsible for the above music video and single. End tracks "Found In The Ocean" and "The Other Side of the World" are the first signs of vulnerability; so whether or not they were strategically placed as final tracks #9 and #10, the band has cast themselves into a driven, in-your-face mode. There's an accepting, less arrogant way they do it, though, unlike many other bands made in the same mold.

The first single off the new album, "Saint & Sinners", is heavier on percussion and guitar compared to their past material. With a deeper voice, the accompanying tremolos could be passed off on a Disturbed album. The use of space is apparent and adds depth to the track.

Although the vocals do possess a little of that pop-punk whine, they are easily countered by an unwavering duo of Stanton and Otis, who are constantly pounding away at guitar. Unseen in the picture at the top of this post is drummer Eric Martin, who also contributes to what makes this band a harder form of rock.

preorder via Tooth & Nail

Track Listing
1. "Brain Damage"
2. "Heart Attack"
3. "Saints & Sinners"
4. "Hammers & Anvils"
5. "Love & Despair"
6. "To The Moon"
7. The Elevator (re-release)
8. "Dig You Out"
9. "Take Me Away"
10. "You're A Fake" (re-release)
11. "Foxhole"
12. "Its Not Fair"

I recently picked up second single "Brain Damage", and it's been on repeat all night. Lyons's startling falsetto escapes in the chorus are just intoxicating. I'm liking that string arrangement in the bridge, as well. Kings is not on iTunes yet, but I'll tweet the link once it is.

Media
Check out their blog
Download "You're a Fake" and "The Elevator" free
Read the May 2010 interview by Spinner's James Meyers
Watch an interview from late last year at Effect Radio
(official Myspace)

Casting Call: "Whatever Doesn't Kill Me"

If you're in Toronto for the end of the year (Wednesday the 29th, to be exact) and are capable of running, Finger Eleven needs you. Details can be found here. I apologize for not relaying this sooner; it's been one hell of a week.

The song itself is sickly upbeat in a good way. It's not my idea of Finger Eleven, but it's an alright choice if they're looking to create a wider listener base. "WDKM" will be the second single following "Living In A Dream".

2010 in Canuckland: Second Half

Tra la la... if you don't have a Tumblr yet, you've fallen seriously behind. Older audiences and people who possess a life excepted, of course. Yeah, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup.

06.30 The first band signed to Velocity Rock (Rise Records division), Abandon All Ships is said to be a groundbreaker for the dancecore(?) genre. Here's to their become a recurring feature in our music industry; I would like this to happen but can't envision it. Geeving is released several months later.


08.02 Montrealers Arcade Fire releases The Surburbs via Merge Records. It proceeds to annihilate all obstructive matter on indie alternative charts.

09.09-19 The 35th Annual Toronto International Film Festival.

09.28 Bedouin Soundclash releases Light The Horizon and I still have trouble spelling "Bedouin". Snazzy promo cards are distributed by their street team at various downtown show venues. They are subsequently found in trash cans.

10.05 The local boys churn out a sixth album (but I suppose it's only their fifth as Finger Eleven). Check out the video for the really electric single "Living In A Dream"; and tell me, do you hear similarities to "Porn Star Dancing"? Both songs are anthems, but I prefer F11's for once.

10.12 Hot Panda's How Come I'm Dead starts a serious relationship between me and indie music.

11.16 The Russian Futurists (who ironically are not a group, nor Russian) release The Weight's On The Wheels. Also on that day were ten years of versatile pop from singer Nelly Furtado. Everything from folk to R&B is sampled on the compilation.

12.03 After several unsuccessful ventures into the United States, Timmies has finally conquered their own nation. What, were you expecting another doughnut scandal? (Tim Hortons lands in Iqaluit.)

We're one year closer to the 2012, guys.

Finger Eleven debuts new song

Life Turns Electric, due Oct. 5th, is available for preorder on iTunes.

The song "Stone Soul" was premiered today- (check it out at ARTISTdirect.com). I've never been a big fan of Finger Eleven, but it's hard to deny the catchy riff and vocals of "Paralyzer". Plus, they're from Burlington.

Here's a sneak preview of Faber Drive's new video for "The Payoff". Someone filmed it on the set in Vancouver.


And what's this reissue I hear of from Deftones' Myspace blog?

In celebration of White Pony's 10th Anniversary, the groundbreaking album has been specially re-issued. For a limited time, it is available on iTunes for just $7.99!

Well, I guess if you don't have it already, now's a good time.