2011 Favourites

from the collab between The Flaming Lips & Lightning Bolt

ALBUM

Conatus by Zola Jesus
(Sacred Bones)
looks like / sounds like / my full album review / buy it

MUSIC VIDEO

Lead single from Austra's Feel It Break (Domino)
what I wrote about the single / my full album review / buy it

POP

Moment Bends by Architecture In Helsinki
(Modular)
looks like / feels like / what I wrote

Never Trust A Happy Song by GROUPLOVE (Canvasback) buy it
Femme Fatale by Britney Spears (Jive)
"Scheiße" by Lady GaGa (Interscope)
"Elle Me Dit" by MIKA (Casablanca)

INDIE

"Everybody's Going" by Fire And Neon stream
Die Young by HAPPY TRENDY what I wrote / download it
We Live Forever by Brazen Kids of York my full album review
Excerpts by Ensemble what I wrote / buy it
s/t EP by POWERS interview

ALTERNATIVE

Dreamers of the Ghetto (Temporary Residence) what I wrote

"The Great Pan Is Dead" by Cold Cave (Matador)
EP † by †††
"I Don't Want Love" by The Antlers (Frenchkiss)

ROCK

EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ by Glasvegas (Columbia)
feels like / tastes like / what I wrote pre-release / buy it

"The Stand" by Mother Mother (Last Gang) video
"Paradise" by Coldplay (Parlophone)
Lights And Offerings by Mirrors (Skint) my full album review
"Bigger Than Us" by White Lies (Fiction)

METAL

"In Service Of Time" by Abysmal Dawn (Relapse) cover art
"Leaving None Behind" by Echoes video

PUNK

Kings by I Am Empire (Tooth And Nail)
what I wrote pre-release / my full album review / buy it

What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? by The Vaccines (Columbia)
Now, Voyager by The Cape Race my full album review

ELECTRONIC

"Campus Martius" by Keep Shelly In Athens

Destroyed by Moby (Mute)
tastes like / my full album review / buy it / stream it

"Aural Psnyapse" by deadmau5 (Ultra) buy it
Bubblegunk / Fuck Tactics by Entrepreneurs what I wrote
"Hello" by Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette (Universal)
New Dance by Put The Rifle Down my full album review
"Midnight City" by M83 (Mute)

FOLK

and Bon Iver's entire s/t album (4AD)

Last Night On Earth by Noah and the Whale (Vertigo)

HIP HOP

Watch The Throne by Jay-Z & Kanye West (GOOD Music)

F.A.M.E. by Chris Brown (Jive)
"We Found Love" by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris (Def Jam) video

COVER

Jay-Z cover on Hugo's debut, Old Tyme Religion (Roc) buy it

MASHUP

DIY SPACE CHAIR!!; hippie fringe vest; zebra print maxi dress

All in all, 'twas a good year in both music and my so-called (never-ending) life. I'm sad to see it go, because I feel like 2012 doesn't look quite so promising as 2011 did in 2010. And 2012 just sounds so... I don't know, beautifully apocalyptic. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to all the welcome surprises that are sure to occur in the new year.

VIDEO: Apostate's "Hermeneutic Circle"

Two for contrast

Echoes are a post-metal band from Winchester, England. I've listened to my fair share of drone and doom, but this is something entirely new and different. In opposition to the monotonous, downtempo based upon (dissonant) harmonic progression, Echoes are upbeat in a punk manner, but with modern rock influences. Unsettling on a first listen.


Singer-songwriters that I genuinely enjoy are hard to come by; (I'm very much an ensemble/hype-duo girl). Markéta Irglová and her artsy video for the warm, serene-sounding "Go Back" have won me this Friday morning. Hailing from Valašské Meziříčí, Czech Republic, this young songstress has a hearty list of accomplishments for her 23 years.

Expecting great things from both of them, but still always in dire need of more new music... care to share any fresh tracks you've been listening to lately?

DC and GROUPLOVE album releases

View official news post

"Our cd @roughtradeshops ! Surreal" via GROUPLOVE

(The North American release of Never Trust A Happy Song isn't until September 13th. /lazy post this morning)

Whipping paint and guitars, not hair

The work in progress.

It's been a dull two days, watching my gorgeous Lunar Eclipse (Behr) get overtaken by some unoriginal Tulle White (CIL). I asked Daddy while he was painting: "Do you like this colour?"

His reply: "It's boring." You got that right.

Semester two commences tomorrow, during which I shall try to switch out of that godforsaken Accounting class. Turns out, I could actually take a spare this year due to my extracurricular credits. Current schedule: Musical Theatre, English, normal lunch (I'm undecided whether this is a benefit or con), History.

Exams will be a total wreck, but it'll be more enjoyable than first semester. On this note, I'll leave you with this insane video of guitarist Andy James recording a guest solo for UK band, Anterior. Their second release (to follow up 2007's brilliance in This Age of Silence) is expected to drop this year.


I know I'm excited. (Anterior on Metal Blade)

RE: Upcoming Abysmal Dawn cover art

When it comes to metal, cover art rarely holds much meaning for me. It always depicts one, or a mixture, of: gas masks; naked cartoon chicks; satanic symbolism; or gory depictions, choc full of cheese. Maybe I'm unable to appreciate naked cartoon chicks wrapped in vines snakes cause I'm not a guy?

All the same, there are still some illustrations you can't deny, and I really love this one.

How this initial rough draft...

... became this beautiful, post-apocalyptic scene.

ARTIST PÄR OLOFSSON'S ACCOUNT ON DECIBEL- I found it a good read. Abysmal Dawn's third album, Leveling The Plane Of Existence will be released February 1st. I'm definitely looking forward to accompany "In Service Of Time", which has been a solitary gem in my library for the last two months.

Track list
01 The Age of Ruin
02 Pixilated Ignorance
03 In Service Of Time
04 Rapture Renowned
05 Our Primitive Nature
06 Perpetual Dormancy
07 Leveling The Plane Of Existence
08 Manufactured Humanity
09 My Own Savior
10 The Sleeper Awakens

Preorder: digitally on iTunes / hard copy via Relapse Records

EastScene: Daedalean Complex album to be mastered by Tom Baker

A Rose For The Dead will be their second release, a follow up to 2008’s self-recorded and self-produced debut...

Read more

(So I'm doing a writing stint at web music magazine EastScene.com, which is fairly exciting for me. It's a neat site where I'll probably try to infuse some local/indie/underground acts into that pop punk majority.)

"The Living End" from Onyx

not on iTunes yet, but you can preorder it here

Release date: February 14th, 2011
Genre: symphonic goth metal

Excuse this short rant on symphonic goth- why must it always be women? If you were familiar with the genre, you may or may not be familiar with my problem with it. It's not sexism, simply that upwards of 80% are female vocalists. The fuse of orchestral techniques and atmospheric apocalypse are heart wrenching.

Ava Inferi are one of my favourites with female vocals. Based in Portugal and founded by former Mayhem guitarist Rune Eriksen, they've released a prolific three albums in the last five years. Prolific, because none of them are lacking in any way. Carmen Simões voice comes of nasally sometimes, but is opera-like strong.

"The Living End", which can be downloaded via this article, sounds promising when compared to Blood of Bacchus.

It begins with a confident flurry of drum and a single riff, in the manner of Haydn's "Surprise Symphony", then transcends to a wave of sound. The pattern continues for a couple minutes until drummer João Samora gives way to Simões lament. Interlaced are deep choral male vocals, making for a very listenable 7-minute track.

While Ava Inferi's first two records, Burdens and The Silhouette were engaging, I found that their 2009 album just wasn't as interesting. We'll have to wait to hear how Onyx is.

Early 2011 Red Fang album

(no order: Brian Giles, Aaron Beam, David Sullivan, John Sherman)

PORTLAND, OREGON - Straight metal band Red Fang are set to release a sophomore album (following last year's self-titled debut). The working title thus far is Murder The Mountains, with a tentative early spring drop date. The following is "Number Thirteen", to be released on the album; give it a listen.

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
I find them a little lenient toward hard rock with a bit of swing and metallic tendencies, but nonetheless enjoyable.

Diamond Eyes tour; Twin Shadow; Cults at the Horseshoe Tavern

Official post and a complete list here, but alt-metal veterans Deftones and The Dillinger Escape Plan are co-headlining actually, TDEP are the openers for the 2011 Diamond Eyes tour. Their first show is mid-April in Seattle, Washington.

There are a couple of Canadian stops on the first leg (namely Vancouver on the 18th and Montreal on May 4th). The closest they're coming Toronto-wise is Detroit, Michigan. If they're headed your way- even if you've only heard of them- I strongly recommend it. These guys do not disappoint.

The Horseshoe Tavern will be playing host to George Lewis Jr. (aka Twin Shadow) come Wednesday of next week. The show is 19+, but they don't usually cost much; the only possible concern is maximum capacity at the venue.

Also on their way to the Horseshoe Tavern this April 4th is New York indie pop group, Cults. More dates here.

Royal Thunder EP reissue

buy on iTunes

Re-release date: December 21st, 2010
Genre: hard rock, alternative metal

It's difficult to come across a good release this time of year- it's usually just soppy Christmas songs and all, so I was delighted to come across this gem.

Royal Thunder is a female-fronted trio from Atlanta, Georgia, recently signed to Relapse Records. They're a little soft for the metal label, but "Mouth Of Fire" was featured on the 2010/2011 sampler. Mlny Parsonz's huge, soulful vocals take centrestage and there's some natural funk to their music.

But hey, while we're at it-

I made shortbread cookies!

Let's have some Christmas cheer. Breaking More Waves posted a sweet dubstep track; dream-pop act Beach House released "I Do Not Care For The Winter Sun"; but my personal favourite remains. The following is "Santa Through The Back Door" by 30 Seconds To Mars Feat. Colonel Buck.

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Have yourself a wonderful, crazy, chaotic Christmas.

Exposé: Apostate's "Seaborne" EP



Origin: Prague, Czech Republic
Genre: progressive metal

I listen to a wide variety of eccentric music. At the same time, though, my repertoire is full of Vertical Horizon and Lady GaGa amongst others. Light-hearted indie is my recluse, but when it comes to heavier genres, certain pieces will trigger an instant connection. Released last Tuesday, I know Apostate won't be for everyone.

buy on iTunes

"Paragraph": The introduction begins appropriately with the sound of waves, as the EP is entitled Seaborne. I don't usually analyze minute-long overtures, but this was the track that ultimately turned my decision in favour of the group. It reminds me of In Flames older string arrangements, a distinct feature of many melodic metal bands. The transition into the raging guitar of "Omit The Words" is flawless.

"Omit The Words": The one thing European metal does best is the use of the English language. Any accents are extinguished in the duration of prolonged screams; the vocals are left sounding refined and sophisticated. Very little strain is apparent.

Take a moment to cherish something
that you always had felt, but never appreciated.
Were you too afraid of losing "independence"?

"False Footsteps": (A wonderfully angsty "who's your god now?") For an unsigned production, all five tracks are very clean and exhibit great musicianship. Both Alex and Nikki's guitars are perched cautiously atop a confident, unwavering drum line.

"Numbers Are Going Down": This ridiculous, straight-to-business opening is a head-on collision. Although the vocals on this track are the hardest to decipher, Anton has sacrificed no metal mentality in order to keep his vocals unfazed in comparison to other bands in the same genre.

"Raised On the Blood of Heroes": Taking it back a notch, I still wish there was a little more electric bass presence. "ROtBoH" explores different components of the accompaniment, while being no less impressive than the others. Personally, that sudden switch at 3:43 is the highlight of the entire EP. It leads into a powerful, choral, shout-sequence and concludes with a repeating chord on the keys.

Only the second entire album ever purchased by me on iTunes, there is little to criticize. I see a whole lot of potential in these five- Alex, Anton, Fedor, Nikki, Vlady (I can't seem to find full names), and if you happen to be in Prague this upcoming weekend, their release party is at the Chapeau Rouge.

visit their MySpace / follow them on Twitter

Love Your Escape Plan

this album on iTunes

Release date: March 22nd, 2010
Genre: math rock, prog rock, metal

Rock quintet The Dillinger Escape Plan is a well-recognized act from Morris Plains in the northeast United States. They are known for their engaging live performances and interesting use of rhythm. Option Paralysis is their fourth studio release.

There is not as much variety on this album, but "Parasitic Twins" and "Widower" are differentially slower tracks. The transition from those to their typical ear-splitting pieces is smooth and the band creates a fresh contrast for anyone willing to keep an open mind towards mathcore and similar genres.

The first single, "Farewell, Mona Lisa" was the track that drew my undivided attention to the band, which has had a considerable amount of lineup changes. The album art was done by former lead vocalist Dimitri Minakakis and is a mosaic of the band's own photography.

NaNoWriMo word count: 13032 of 50000. The title of this post was inspired partly by DEP, but also by a turn of stressful events that occurred yesterday. I am just grateful that the week is half over and that my conflicts have been absolved.

Oh, bloody cranberries.

I was watching "Nightmare on Elm Street" last night and absolutely freaked out when Jesse Braun (Thomas Dekker) was wearing a Joy Division shirt... I don't even know. I also did some reading Saturday night (while at a different house party) in the form of The Hollow Tree by Janet Lunn, only because I'd read Shadow in Hawthorn Bay. All of her novles are irritatingly unrealistic historic novels. Yeah, I'm cool.

Anyhow, some releases for y'all Canadians to pick up after Thanksgiving:

Not-quite-white-trash Far East Movement's Free Wired

Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir's Abrahadabra

All That Remains's For We Are Many; good old metalcore

(I love my musical tastes, too.) Have a good one!

"Chrysalis" by Daedalean Complex

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Origin: Quebec, QC, Canada
Genre: goth, industrial, metal

This underground act has undergone many lineup changes, but remains to be one of the country's most recognized cult-metal groups. I came across them around May, downloaded their first album off their site, and took an instant liking.

art by Herr Nox (download the debut)

"Deus Ex": An atmospheric intro that really screams potential.

"...Machina": Although I'm not a big fan of the distortion on vocals, they make for a neat effect.

"Far Beyond": The guitar riff is wonderful- creepy, memorable, and a perfect companion to the hollow screams on the offbeat. I can't get over how simple the melody is, because the effectiveness really shines through; four minutes of familiarity with no tiredness.

"Chrysalis": And I'm in love. From the guitar intro to the throaty growls of "we are", it's a great, light piece. While owning dark tones, there is no overwhelming, indecipherable noise; Herr Nox's vocals just will make you "lose control".

"Cut'N'Bleed": This song starts of like any generic rock song with a basic drum beat. Actually, most of their songs do, the guitar and vocals take the listener by surprise. (In this case, it's a good surprise.) The buildups are clever and the production is exquisite, especially for a lesser-known band like DC.

"Sea of Lust": Beginning with a string line gives it a whole other feel. Not before long, a bass line creeps in, and you'd expect full-blown drums. They enter with the vocals, which are tame in contrast to the rest of the album. The instrumentals take a well-deserved front stage.

"Virtual Faith": The cyclic intro/outro is one of my favourite parts of the album; it's a very gritty, straightforward piece.

"Under a Rain of Ashes": Toning it down again with some interesting effects to conclude.

(official site)

"To have no particular interest or concern"

That's putting it quite nicely. Which is exactly what frontman Angelo Aita told the media, when they asked about the album title. For a band that has yet to really break into the industry, they sure sell that confidence well.

"It means that even if people don't like what we're doing or think we should give up, we don't care; we're going to keep doing it for ourselves. Everything we do is for us, not anyone else. And that's what Geeving is all about."

purchase this album

Release date: October 5th, 2010
Genre: Metalcore, synthpop

Fresh-sounding, enjoyable, but not very radio-friendly. It has some serious potential, at least. I know they won me over after appearing on disBAND- to be honest, I only stayed on that channel for longer than 5 minutes because I did a double take on Greig Nori's "Die Young, Live Free" shirt. (Andrew Stricko has the same one, s'all.) This is one album I am planning to go out and buy, sometime; hopefully before Christmas.

There's a new BMTH record coming out

I don't care much for Bring Me The Horizon. I just frequently confuse the acronym with Bullet For My Valentine, at which I'll sit for a confused half hour, going B... F...

(preorder on iTunes)

The album art is appreciable and the album will feature new guitarist, Jona Weinhofen. The band does a good job of dropping heavy, continuous riffs, but unless you're particularly good at deciphering screaming, Oli Sykes might as well be speaking Swedish. Giving them another chance, I was once again disturbed with the video for "It Never Ends". No, unnecessary gore does not go well with my lunch.

Canadian electropop singer LIGHTS makes an appearance on "Crucify Me" and "Don't Go", which I believe to be the only two tracks I've heard in full. There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret. (an applaudable title lyric there) is scheduled for October 5th in North America.



(preorder on iTunes)

Meanwhile, We Are The Ocean is releasing a deluxe edition of their debut with four additional songs. Cutting Our Teeth was their first full album after a couple of very successful EPs.

While also employing scream techniques by vocalist Dan Brown, WATO better resembles Alexisonfire. Brown and Liam Cromby's vocals are mature sounding; there's none of that pop-punk-metal mix going on.

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.

a BLACKDIAMONDSKYE night

Last night was my first at the Molson Amphitheatre.

Arrival by GO Train was rather early, so there was some wandering about the lakefront and some french fries and onion rings involved before chatting up security at the gate.

I still don't like the design of the venue.

The stage isn't particularly deep, and the size of the pit is pretty dismal. Sound quality's alright, and it makes for a great effect... when the place is full.

Mastodon were the openers.

I was never too sure about them until tonight- they're live performers, definitely. I've always liked them as people, but now I'll look into getting some of their stuff. Their lighting and sound could've use some improvement, but I was up in the 400s, so it's hard to tell. I know that it was better later on in the night, though.

About 90% of the crowd was there for Deftones.

We went from 30% full to 100% standing in the stadium. It started raining a bit, then. Lots of love weed in the air, but Chino sure knows how to put on a show. "Prince" and "7 Words" were my favourites, and there was a tremendous rumble during "Change (In The House of Flies)".

Just proving my point about the crowd.

This was between sets, when the stage crew was about to take down Deftones' equipment. At this point we returned to our actual spots in the section, avoiding any possibility of conflict. The rain had ceased by now, and everyone either retreated to their wet seats or left to get more beer.

Alice In Chains actually put on a surprisingly good show.

I was there with my cousin, who eventually got hungry. We went out to get him a hot dog (which by the way, is ridiculously overpriced there) and ended up running back in, spilling ketchup when we heard the beginning of "Rooster". There were 3 encore songs. YouTube uploads are in progress.

U2 Cover on Disturbed's Latest Album

(Skip to 1:35). As much as I think this is hilarious, I'm really growing to like it. For me, it's much more listenable than the original. David Draiman's rough vocals sound almost joyous atop vibrato riffs. I walked into the Eaton Centre's HMV on Monday hoping to get the record, but couldn't find a deluxe version. (buy Asylum on iTunes) This version also contains several live recordings of earlier singles.

Me: "Do you know if this Asylum is the same as the iTunes version?"
Employee: "Um..."
Me: "Cause I know they did a cover of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", and it's ridiculous."

I just got a blank stare. Favourite track: "The Infection".

The album is rather mainstream, completely departing from their Down With The Sickness days. As an owner of Ten Thousand Fists, I can say that mainstream Disturbed gets tired after a few listens; I left the regular edition on the shelf and spent my money on a new outfit. It also happened to be Brazilian Day, so I joined the festivities on a closed Yonge Street.

Jacket: Vertigo Paris

Top: ESPRIT

Skirt: Buffalo David Bitton