REVIEWS
Reviews of recently released East Coast music.
Review: York Redoubt - York Redoubt by
Brendan MaGee
This self-titled album is the first full length release from
York Redoubt, a Halifax band who find themselves somewhere between a noise pop and shoegaze sound. (
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Review: Caledonia - We Are America by
Brendan MaGee
This latest record has been described as message to those of us in the great white north who are quick to poke fun at our neighbours to the south.
We Are America is a broad endeavour, both musically and conceptually. (
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Review: Acres and Acres - All Nations by
Chris Dowbiggin
This is the kind of album that when heard, the listener feels the same effect as opening up a collection of short stories.
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Review: Racoon Bandit - Campcraft by
Ryan Conway
After listening to Campcraft, the debut album from PEI’s own Racoon Bandit, I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed- only because it left me wanting more.
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Review: Kestrels - Primary Colours by
Jarrett Arsenault
I hate to come right out and say it, but pop-rock shouldn’t ever be accompanied by an out of tune guitar. That’s right folks, pop-rock.
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Review: Christine Crawford - Peacetalks by
Joshua Biggley
Christine Crawford’s album does not ask the listener to give too much of themselves but still manages to offer a pleasant, somewhat hypnotic listening experience, perfect the after-dinner, adult conversation crowd.
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Review: Alert The Medic - We, The Weapon by
Ryan Conway
The verses of these songs can be so catchy– you may find yourself singing along. Even if you are in an office setting. Not that I have ever done that.
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Review: Two Hours Traffic - Territory by
Chris Dowbiggin
While Two Hours Traffic still pledges allegiance to their signature upbeat, euphoric east coast indie rock sound, there are hidden surprises within their new record Territory.
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Review: The Danks - Are You Afraid Of The Danks? by
Amanda Blakeney
From start to finish, the recently released Are You Afraid of the Danks? by Charlottetown’s The Danks is jam-packed with upbeat, no-nonsense melodies that will appease your ears– all the while reminding you of a summer road-trip.
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Review: Dog Day - Concentration by
Justen Andrews
The opening track of Dog Day's full-length, sophomore release, is a hard hitter. The fat guitar chords, monotone vocals and Joy Division rhythm..., would make even the stalest music snob bob their head.
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Review: The Sidewalks - Better Late Than Never by
Jillianne Hamilton
I saw The Sidewalks perform live (for the first time, anyway) at the very beginning of this year. And ever since, I've been looking forward to the release of...
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Review: Milks & Rectangles - Civic Virtues by
Jillianne Hamilton
The Charlottetown music scene fails to disappoint me. Another stellar album from a PEI band has been released onto the streets, its groovy beats permeating into the red soil. This album is Civic Virtues, the debut release of Milks and Rectangles.
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Review: Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel - Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel by
Ryan Conway
The self-titled debut album from Nova Scotia rockers, Carleton Stone Drives the Big Wheel offers a solid blend of rock and maritime flavour. The Sydney natives have only been together since last July and the fact that they have managed to work together as well as they do and to progress so quickly is nothing short of impressive.
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Review: Chris Kirby - Vampire Hotel by
Ryan Conway
I have just finished listening to Chris Kirby & The Marquee’s sophomore album, Vampire Hotel, and I have to say that Kirby has left me with a difficult task in reviewing this album. Why?
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Review: Molly Thomason - Through The Static by
Jillianne Hamilton
For a debut album, this is certainly an impressive attempt. Antigonish singer/songwriter Molly Thomason doesn't sound like any 14-year-old I've ever heard. Mature, thoughtful lyrics and inviting guitar melodies fill this 11-track record.
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Review: In-Flight Safety - We Are An Empire, My Dear by
Justen Andrews
It's been a long time coming for the lads of In-Flight Safety since their 2006 release of The Coast Is Clear. Now they're back with We Are An Empire, My Dear, their third album recorded in the small-town isolation of Fox River.
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Review: Chris Picco - Ferris Wheel by
Jarrett Arsenault
Chris Picco’s Ferris Wheel greets you with a calming, down-stroke, clean guitar sound that reminds me of the persistent individual at your place of work who always seems to be bumming smokes.
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This Film Should Be Played Loud by
Ryan Conway
The Last Waltz (1978) is one of, if not the best, concert film ever made. With great musical performances from such legends as Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, The Staples, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr among others. All of which have been brought together to celebrate one of the most revered bands to ever come out of Canada, The Band.
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Joel Plaskett: Beatnik Poetry On The Fly by
Jillianne Hamilton
"I drove an hour, Joel, but I'd drive ten for you!!" This was shouted from an eager audience member during the recent performance of Joel Plaskett (ft. David Myles) at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill, Nova Scotia.
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Actually, I Do Miss You, Ruby Jean by
Sarah Henderson
I don’t usually make it downtown but last Friday I braved Gottingen Street to make it to Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees play the Marquee (oops! I still have trouble remembering it is called The Paragon now) with Room Doom and Jenocide.
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Review: Klarka Weinwurm - EP by
Jillianne Hamilton
Klarka Weinwurm strums her guitar softly, sings sweetly, writes songs that could be mistaken for poetry and shows all the big boys that girls can do sensitive folk rock too.
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Review: The Novaks - Things Fall Apart by
Jillianne Hamilton
There's something greasy, vintage and very enjoyable about the newest album from Newfoundland rockers, The Novaks. It reminds me of the good old days of rock 'n roll. Y'know, the type that was around before I was born.
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Review: The Got To Get Got - Sahalee by
Chris Weaver
Now, I think I should admit before I go on: The Got To Get Got are one of my favourite bands at the moment. Not just out of East Coast bands, but all told. And I absolutely love this album.
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Review: Myles Deck and the Fuzz - Police Cops by
Sarah Henderson
Police Cops is the 2008 EP from a band who goes by Myles Deck and the Fuzz. "Police Cops", a
Simpsons reference (I hope!), won me over even before I heard their 3 track EP and I must say, I was not disappointed.
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Review: Shotgun Jimmie - Still Jimmie by
Chris Weaver
Still Jimmie, backed by the guys from Attack in Black and issued as the first release of You've Changed Records, acts as a slight departure from Jim's previous work, but, like the title says, he's still the same Jimmie we've come to know and love.
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Review: Bloodsport - Goodbye To The Holy Mountain by
Chris Weaver
Halifax's
Bloodsport are a fairly recent addition to the Haligonian music scene, making unpretentious rock music under pretentious titles.
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Review: Jessica Rhaye - Good Things by
Jillianne Hamilton
Some albums remind me of different relationships I've had in my life: friends, family, crushes, everything. Jessica Rhaye's album,
Good Things, reminds me of the weather.
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