In Focus: Sweet Thing

Having recently wrapped up their Canadian Tour with Justin Nozuka, Toronto's Sweet Thing have released their second music view for "Change of Seasons" as heard on the feature film "Easy A". For more on Sweet Thing check out the band's at their official website here.

Artist to Watch: Megan Bonnell

Megan Bonnell

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To see Megan Bonnell in person, attention is immediately paid to her gorgeous features, charming personality and the thought that this girl should be a model for some brand name designer, but stick her behind a piano, in front of a crowd of fifty plus curious individuals and all your preconceived notions fade. This was the case during Bonnell's recent self-titled EP release party at Toronto's Magpie.


Her silky voice with an air of Rachael Yamagata and eclectic sound, Bonnell is commanding even from a piano bench. Turning Magpie's crowd into fans with her indie folk-pop a mixture of beautiful ballads and playful, cheery pop. Despite her debut EP's length (just three songs) Megan uses her talents wisely showcasing her lyrical and vocal strengths.


In just a few short days, Bonnell has turned up the volume from simple songstress with a piano to the 'It' girl, with her sold out EP release performance and earning the honour of CHARTattack's 'Song of the Day' for her track 'The Wind' off her debut EP. The simple explanation is Megan Bonnell is a great musician, but that's selling her short. If recent events are any indication, and more on the way from Bonnell including two more performances in Ottawa and Montreal, as well as work on her debut full-length album, it's just the tip of the iceberg for the ethereal beauty.

Record Review: Katie Costello

Katie Costello - The City In Me EP 3.5/5

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In just five songs Katie Costello introduces herself in a kaleidoscope of poetic lyrics and enchanting vocals that leave an impression. 'Cityscapes' is a quirky, piano driven pop song that shimmers with energy that echoes Nellie McKay. 'How Do We Know' showcases Costello's soaring vocals, while the folk-tinged 'We Are The Way We Are' adds to the range of her sound.

Though Katie sings of isolation and disconnect on the ballad 'Ships In The Night' her emotionally charged vocals make her ever present dripping with sorrow. Costello crafts songs that manage to walk a tight rope between dark, deeply personal and sugary optimism. Katie Costello's warm vocals and colourful lyrics are if nothing else a cut above many of her peers.

Record Review: KT Tunstall

KT Tunstall - Tiger Suit   3/5

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The raspy voiced girl with folk songs in her back pocket and a guitar in hand may have been how Tunstall entered the pop psyche, but in the years following Tunstall has gone for an edgier sound. On her third album, Tiger Suit, she tackles sleek tricked out pop songs with shimmering pianos in 'Fade Like A Shadow' and digitalized guitars in 'Difficulty'. Even the occasional dance beat is found in 'Push That Not Away'. 

Despite the album's shiny exterior there are still cracks to be found reaching for epic on the ballad 'Lost' or overly dramatic with 'The Entertainer'. The album's standout '(Still A) Weirdo' is classic Tunstall, with it's peculiar charm, even if it isn't quite suited to the album. Tiger Suit manages to feel organic even with her new found glitz and glamour, Tunstall is still a clever and honest songwriter while navigating cliches and that's the cleverest trick of all.

Record Review: Paper Lions

Paper Lions - Trophies EP 3.5/5

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In just two years a lot has changed for the boys from Belfast, Prince Edward Island, not only have they changed name from Chucky Danger Band to their current moniker "Paper Lions" but the boys have produced their latest EP, Trophies, played at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, kicked-off a Canadian tour in late September, but also been a recent installment on iTunes' 'Single of the Week' with their track 'Lost the War'.

The evidence for their string of good fortune, an energetic EP full of melodic, pop arrangements. Trophies may consist of only six tracks but that doesn't stop the boys from packing one solid punch of pop! Single 'Lost the War' sets up Trophies five other tracks, each with hooky guitar riffs, heavy drum beats, and energy from start to finish. 'Stay Here For A While' is arguably the catchest of the batch, a sunny jam that will have you singing along. Paper Lions are about as solid as a indie-pop band you'll find, and that's no small accomplishment.

Single Selections: Chilly Gonzales

Chilly Gonzales - Never Stop 3.5/5

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The Canadian musician known for his work with the likes of Jamie Lidell, Feist and Peaches, finds himself the star of Apple's latest iPad commercial. "Never Stop" recalls the signature playful pianos of Feist's The Reminder, with a twist with electronic grooves it's hard not to find it playing over and over in your head.


Great Bloomers - Small Town Love 4/5

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Toronto's Great Bloomers follow-up Speak of Trouble with the seven-inch offering 'Small Town Love'. A mellow, minimalist sound, with crisp harmonies and horns to boot, it's a country-tinged rock track that channels a little bit of Gordon Lightfoot. It's fresh and a great teaser of things to come.

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We Are Dead 3/5

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A tease of their upcoming record Don't Say We Didn't Warn You, the British dance-punk outfit have offered up the instrumental 'We Are Dead' for download off their official website. Whispering vocals in the open minute degrade into a chaotic beat of electronic elements, and an almost primal chant. It's not their best but it certainly captures your attention... what's next?!

I Blame Coco - In Spirit Golden 2/5

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There's a bizarre infatuation upon discovering I Blame Coco, like finding out the ugly duckling is oddly pretty. Following her broody, dance track 'Ceasar' featuring Robyn and synchronized for release alongside her debut disc The Constant, 'In Spirit Golden' falls rather flat. Stuck somewhere between Killers' brand synth and the brooding, huskier vocals of Ladyhawke it's hard to separate I Blame Coco from the pack, aside from that little fact that she is Sting's daughter.

Mr. Little Jeans - Angel 3.5/5

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One part Santigold, one part St. Vincent, this little pop star has a sugary sweet exterior but with enough snarl to make you wary of her bite. A foot taping beat, cooing "be my angel" it's a catchy chorus that reels you in, with clashing synth for good measure, you'll be playing this one more than one. Scouts honour!