Record Review: Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland - Here I Am   2.5/5   iTunes

   Over the past two years Kelly Rowland's been a fixture on the dance charts and found a bigger audience abroad with 2009's 'When Love Takes Over' and 2010's 'Commander' both collaborations with producer David Guetta, much to the respective singles' success Rowland appeared to be moving in a new musical direction, but Rowland's latest Here I Am finds her right back in 2007 where she left off with her previous record, Ms. Kelly.

Record Review: Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat - All Of You   1.5/5   iTunes


   Colbie Caillat is the definition of summer pop, equal parts breezy guitars and undeniable charm having carved out a niche as the female equivalent to former duet partner Jason Mraz ('Lucky'). Continuing with her usual pop-rock sound mixed with folk, surf pop and that beloved ukulele can all be found on All Of You, Caillat's third album. 

Single Selections: Super Extended Edition

Michelle Branch - Loud Music   3/5   Official Website


The lead single off Branch's soon to be released album West Coast Time, is Branch's comeback of sorts as a solo artist. Loud Music is light, easy pop/rock and while it's not Branch's best work, there's something to be said about a girl and her guitar on radio stations that are heavily saturated with female dance artists. A familiar face and a breath of fresh air Loud Music does it's job putting Branch back on the map. 

Sound Waves: First Rate People

First Rate People - Someone Else Can Make A Work of Art

   Toronto collective First Rate People, have done it again! 2011 has seen the band produce one infectious hit after another including their latest single 'Someone Else Can Make A Work of Art' a breezy summer tune, a follow-up to January's dance jam 'Funny Games.' With summer in full swing First Rate People's latest fits right into that cottage summer playlist

Hey Ocean Make Triumphant Return To Toronto

Hey Ocean @ The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

   On Saturday Vancouver trio Hey Ocean returned to Toronto after 1.5 years to perform songs from their upcoming third album, to be released this fall. For anyone familiar with the band's previous work, Hey Ocean is even more fun in person, taking their upbeat tunes and bringing the audience in on the fun, know how to entertain.

EP Beat: Megan Bonnell

Megan Bonnell - MAPS   4/5  iTunes


   Toronto's Megan Bonnell, having recently signed to Nevado Records (Yukon Blonde) releases her debut EP MAPS, a four track EP that introduces Bonnell and leaves a lasting impression with each song.

Record Review: 1,2,3

1,2,3 - New Heaven   4/5  iTunes


   Over the past year, Pittsburgh's 1,2,3 have been releasing track after track of compelling indie rock from 'Riding Coach' to 'Heat Lighntin' leading up to their debut album New Heaven.

EP Beat: Data Romance

Data Romance - Data Romance EP   4.5/5   iTunes
   
   After tantalizing singles like 'Bones' that teased of what's to come from Ajay Bhattacharyya and Amy Kirkpatrick (aka. Data Romance) the wait is over. The electro duo's self-titled debut EP doesn't miss a beat, showcasing a variety of styles the Vancouver Duo are set to take electronic-pop to new heights. 

NXNE 2011: Braids Make Gorgeous Music

Braids @ The Great Hall

NXNE 2011

   Last night Montreal's critical darlings Braids hit Toronto's The Great Hall as part of NXNE and proved one of the festival's major highlights. The band's experimental spirit and talent as musicians was in full force as from the onset, the Hall was enveloped in lush instrumentals. 

NXNE 2011: We Were Lovers

We Were Lovers @ Czehoski

NXNE

  A Shattered Vinyl favourite, We Were Lovers hit NXNE Friday night at the Czehoski, and for the handful that attended they were treated to a duo that plays as hard as they sound.

NXNE 2011: Double Feature Pt. 2: The Dodos

   

The Dodos @ The Phoenix 

NXNE 2011

   San Francisco's The Dodos brought their new rock-oriented sound of their latest effort No Color to Thursday's NXNE performance at The Phoenix, as the band came to the last stop of their current tour but show no signs of fatigue. Kicking the night into high gear with a magnetic performance with plenty of reverb on guitar, heavy drums, and Meric Long's distinct vocals, the Dodos aimed to please. 

NXNE 2011: Double Feature Pt. 1: Deerhoof

Deerhoof @ The Phoenix   

NXNE 2011

   Thursday night NXNE took over The Phoenix Concert Theatre (one of Toronto's more notable venues) for a double header with fellow San Francisco natives The Dodos (more on them later). The latter performance from Deerhoof promised to be a intriguing affair, but instead seeing Deerhoof live felt, well.... disappointing.

NXNE 2011: The Dig

The Dig @ The Garrison

DOSE.CA Presents NXNE 2011

   Like so many bands at NXNE, New York's The Dig were a real find provided you still had the energy to make it to their 1AM gig at the Garrison Thursday night. For any who did were treated to catchy pop/rock that deserves a little attention.

NXNE 2011: The Postelles Shake, Rattle & Roll While Girls Swoon

The Postelles @ The Garrison 

NXNE 2011

   New York's The Postelles hit The Garrison in Toronto's west end for NXNE Wednesday, armed with their new record and plenty of swagger, to an audience that seemed acutely aware of the boys prior to their performance, but for those unfamiliar it didn't take lead singer Daniel Balk and co. long to convert them into Postelles advocates. 

NXNE 2011: Megan Bonnell Blossoms

Megan Bonnell @ The Rivoli

Nevado Showcase NXNE 2011

  Since first being introduced to Megan Bonnell last October she has arguably become a staple of the Toronto music scene and since that initial mesmerizing performance at Toronto's Magpie, Bonnell has continued to perform and record with her debut EP Maps, due out on Nevado Records June 21st.