April 27, 2011

NXNE Announces Second Wave of Bands

Sandman Viper Command To Play Edgefest


Single Selections: Born Ruffians

Born Ruffians - Jimmy Jimmy   4.5/5  Soundcloud

A stellar groove and hand claps to boot, this stand out cover by Born Ruffians off label Paper Bag Records True Blue, a Madonna tribute album. The Ruffians turn the Madonna album filler into a bona fide airy, guitar driven summer jam. It's sweet ear candy that you must hear!

April 24, 2011

Federico Aubele Creates Hypnotic Grooves

Federico Aubele - Berlin 13   4/5


Myspace


   Argentine Federico Aubele's fourth studio album, Berlin 13 fuses Argentine tango, electronic grooves, acoustic guitars and synth for a sultry cocktail of sounds that are as exotic as the influences Aubele draws from. Inspired by Aubele's time living in Berlin, a city with a vast electronic music scene, the record is hypnotic lounge music that has no boundaries or borders.

April 22, 2011

Toronto Quartet Go Back To Rock 'N Roll Basics

Teenage Kicks - Rational Anthems EP   4/5


Myspace


   Much of the past decade rock music has put on several different hats, from the dance-rock of bands like The Killers to the alternative arena rock of Kings of Leon, all with a sleek, manicured sound that moved away from classic rock and the simplicity of a song built on gritty vocals, pounding drums and explosive guitar riffs.

April 20, 2011

Single Selections: Sade

Sade - The Moon & The Sky (Remix) feat. Jay-Z   4.5/5   Myspace


  A sensual beat, the exotic, seductive vocals of Sade makes for a hypnotic blend of R&B/Soul. Jay-Z's appearance on the remix is surprisingly subdued enhancing the narrative for a slick, sexy single that will be in constant rotation.

April 18, 2011

Sound Waves


Data Romance - Bullets

Hot Tix

Freelance Whales 
with Foals and The Naked & Famous

   Indie darlings Freelance Whales kicked off their North American Tour earlier this month that will run through May with help from Foals and New Zealand's The Naked & Famous.

Brilliant! Tragic! Return of Art Brut

Art Brut - Brilliant! Tragic!   2/5


Myspace


   In 2005 rock outfit Art Brut made waves with their debut Bang Bang Rock & Roll, and it's bratty punk persona courtesy of lead singer Eddie Argos' first person narratives.  Six years later and set to release their fourth disc, Brilliant! Tragic! Art Brut is starting to sound a little worn. 

April 8, 2011

Single Selections: Designer Drugs

Designer Drugs - Crazy For You (feat. Annie)   4/5

Myspace/iTunes


  Combining one of Shattered Vinyl's current obsessions the club/electro outfit Designer Drugs with Norwegian dance-pop singer Annie, for an intoxicating electro-pop number with dark under currents. It's got all the makings of a club banger, and a highlight off the NYC DJ duo's latest effort, Hardcore/Softcore.

Callers Leave Listeners... Speechless!

Callers - Life of Love   5/5


Myspace


   There is nothing better than a record that transports you to another world and Callers, featuring the tough yet soulful vocals of Sara Lucas have achieved just that with their latest effort Life of Love

Maylee Todd's Timeless Charm

Maylee Todd - Choose Your Own Adventure   4/5


Myspace


   The ever abundance of music available makes it difficult to truly stay on top of all that is released at any given time (thank god for end of year lists!), as is the case with Maylee Todd. Discovering the pixie sized singer during last month's Canadian Music Week, we were a bit behind on joining in on the fun but as Todd's debut proves, good music never looses its charm.

April 4, 2011

Britney Returns To Form... Sort of

Britney Spears - Femme Fatale   3.5/5

   Brit Brit's 'comeback' on 2007's Blackout and it's 2008 follow-up Circus, never quite followed through on the promise to return the former pop princess to her rightful place atop the pop charts. It looked as if it the languishing lead single 'Hold It Against Me' (the album's worst track) put the nail in that coffin, but Femme Fatale in its finer moments resurrects Spears to her former glory.

The Luyas Find Beauty That Works

The Luyas - Too Beautiful To Work   4.5/5


Myspace

   Raw strings, a french horn and sharp keys are among the many elements make Montreal's The Luyas one of the most interesting indie rock-pop bands out there. A patchwork of band members from outfits like Miracle Fortress and Arcade Fire, it's not surprising that The Luyas have constructed an appealing blend of rock-pop that teeters on experimental.