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by Canyon
A song that is sure to be remembered as “the” song of the summer of 2010 for many is no doubt Lay Me Down by The Dirty Heads, featuring Rome from Sublime with Rome. If you haven’t heard the track yet, it’s pretty much what you’d expect from a bunch of laid back dudes out of SoCal who love to surf and party; they have a distinct vibe built on an acoustic reggae hip hop blend. Their debut Any Port in a Storm was recently re-released as a 22 track special edition and features some sweet collabs like Check the Level with Slash and M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold vocalist). The re-edition also boasts a cover of Coldplay’s Viva la Vida which was recorded as part of YouTube’s Raw Session. These Huntington Beach boys are all about positive music “to make you feel good”. Try Believe to really get what The Dirty Heads are all about. “Can you feel it? (Yeahhh), I’m like, six damn strings never sounded so appealing”
Genre: Acoustic/Reggae/Hip Hop
Latest Album: Any Port in a Storm
For Fans Of: 311, Kottonmouth Kings, Sugar Ray
Listen To: The Dirty Heads
by Canyon
Great news! If you’ve been missing 80s soft rock, you no longer need to jump into a time machine to relive it! GAYNGS, the new multi-artist collaborative, brings you their druggy retro sound built on hits like 10cc’s I’m Not In Love. At its head, Ryan Olson, who first recruited Solid Gold’s Zack Coulter and Adam Hurlburt, with the project eventually growing to include a total of 25 collaborators, including the likes of Justin Vernon and Mike Noyce of Bon Iver, Megafaun’s Joe Westerlund, Brad and Phil Cook, as well as rapper P.O.S. GAYNGS’ album Relayted, recorded entirely at 69 beats per minute, came out this past May on Jagjaguwar. Soon after its release the entire gang performed together in what they dubbed The Last Prom On Earth, where none other than Prince popped up in the crowd – a sure sign of success if you ask me. Now you may be tempted to think (like many before you) that this album is some kind of practical joke. Well it isn’t; and if you take the time to truly listen to it you’ll hear dedicated musicians that came together to pay homage to a style most had forgotten even existed.
Genre: Pop
Latest Album: Relayted
For Fans Of: Air, Daft Punk, Animal Collective
Listen To: GAYNGS
by Canyon
In the deepest crevasses of the ocean, the underwater pressure is eight tons per square inch, a weight comparable to the crushing mass of OCEANO’s sound. They are after all the “heaviest, most pissed off band on the planet.” OCEANO crawled out of the deep dark abyss of death metal in 2006 and have since then risen to the surface as a leader of the genre. This Chicago based outfit is a giant unstoppable beast on a path of destruction, wreaking havoc of cataclysmic proportions. Their aptly named 2009 first full length Depths is an ode to violence, anger and hatred and will make you (at the very least) want to hardcore dance until you’re bruised and broken, a practice strongly encouraged by the group itself during live performances. OCEANO is not for the weak and frail; “I want to listen as you suffer, witness your lips beg for death. My desire is to revel in this torment, let your misfortune quench my thirst.”
Genre: Death Metal
Latest Album: Depths
For Fans Of: Cannibal Corpse, The Acacia Strain, Meshuggah
Listen To: OCEANO
Hinged on the themes of history, Titus Andronicus is an indie punk revelation quite literally storming through the pages of time. The band from Glen Rock, New Jersey bears a moniker paying tribute to Shakespeare’s most crimson piece of work, and their newest tale, dropped this past March via XL Recordings, plunges into the leitmotif of the American Civil War. With lead-footed and raw lyrics, scruff to borderline rhinal drones, and tight kicking jams, it’s easy to rock out to their set and yes even, barefaced partisanship. The Battle Of Hampton Roads, the closer on their latest album The Monitor, is a drawn-out fourteen minute showcase of what this band is all about, not to mention the celebration of a hundred and forty-eight year anniversary of a historic fracas. Titus Andronicus is worth a read even if the substance on the pages isn’t really your thing…
Genre: Indie Punk
Latest Album: The Monitor
For Fans Of: Neutral Milk Hotel, Pulp, Local Natives
Listen To: Titus Andronicus
The sweltering heat demands a mellifluous song, and that cool refreshing breeze flits through our windows from NYC’s The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. From the fuzzy guitars, rolling tubs and melodic skipping vocals, the twee noise pop of this au courant outfit is the fruit of a deft quartet (Introducing… Kip Berman, Peggy Wang, Alex Naidus and Kurt Feldman) which found its start in early 2007. Churning fizz pop for labels like Slumberland and touring across the pond in Europe has gotten The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart noticed. Their self-titled debut album beckons a youthful side where “Every night comes and goes again”, and the unmistakably summer feel of their music easily swallows you in. Sure, they may not be spit polish shiny new, but they certainly dish out good times and good tunes for a road trip.
Genre: Indie Pop
Latest Album: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
For Fans Of: Surfer Blood, Death Cab For Cutie, Dum Dum Girls
Listen To: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
by Canyon
There’s a new rap act out of Cape Town, South Africa called DIE ANTWOORD, which translates from Afrikaans to The Answer. The group, whose members have awesome names like Ninja, Yo-Landi Vi$$er and DJ Hi-Tek, sing in a mix of English and Afrikaans, and integrate parts of Zef, a slang term for a very specific South African style. Interested yet? Check out their website for a fully integrated concept of their web page design and the video for their single Enter The Ninja. Venture into the “Secret Chamber” or read their bios in the “About” section for an in-depth and detailed look at these bizarre characters. Whether through the cover art for their album $O$, their coarse lyrics or song titles like Wat Kyk Jy (literally: What you looking at?) and Rich Bitch, DIE ANTWOORD emerge as eccentric and definitely weird. But be forewarned: don’t take this kooky trio seriously for anything other than their entertainment value, they’re definitely dripping with satire. Be sure to catch them at Montreal’s Le National on July 21st, 2010 to watch as hilarity ensues.
Genre: Rap
Latest Album: $O$
For Fans Of: M.I.A., Major Lazer, Spank Rock, Basement Jaxx
Listen To: DIE ANTWOORD
by Canyon
True, the Canadian prairies (in particular Saskatchewan), may not be known as the most existing part of Canada’s great outdoors. But for anyone who thinks there is any correlation between its vertically challenged topography and its musical landscape, you need to get to know Rah Rah. The outfit’s sound isn’t flat or pallid, but rather filled with peaks and valleys, layers and colors, a beautiful musical chaos. They released their sophomore record, Breaking Hearts, at the beginning of June, appropriate timing given the album’s summery feel. This is music to be enjoyed in combination with an estival breeze and sunshine. When trying to formulate my general impression of Rah Rah, I fell upon something they wrote on their blog that really sums it up, “The kind of album that makes you happy that music exists.” Take it for a spin while you go for a ride on the Trans-Canada Highway and who knows, you just might cross paths with Rah Rah, as they are still on tour across the nation.
Genre: Indie Rock
Latest Album: Breaking Hearts
For Fans Of: Plants and Animals, Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene
Listen To: Rah Rah
by Canyon
Demonstrating that classical music can be effortlessly blended with folk and pop, Lost in the Trees is a musical collective headed by Ari Picker, who describes their sonic signature as “orchestral folk”. Having recently signed to Anti-, the band is on the verge of re-releasing All Alone in an Empty House, set to drop on August 10th. The record is comprised of 11 tracks including 2 instrumental orchestral pieces, Mvt. I Sketch & Mvt. II Sketch, which although stylistically different, are right at home within the structure of the album. Haunting female vocals increase the goosebump factor on songs such as the title track, where lyrics like “I hate your soul” really demonstrate the strength of emotions Picker expresses throughout. Many of the lyrics are deeply rooted in family memories, in particular, his parents’ arguments in the house where he was born. Check out Lost in the Trees and abandon yourself in an enchanting forest of lavish sounds.
Genre: Orchestral Folk
Latest Album: All Alone in an Empty House
For Fans Of: Patrick Watson, Frightened Rabbit, St. Vincent
Listen To: Lost in the Trees
by Canyon
Two and half years after the release of the their first effort, Great Vengeance and Furious Fire, vintage rockers The Heavy from Noid, England, put out their sophomore record The House That Dirt Built last fall. The album starts off with an explosive duo of tunes, the opener Oh! No Not You Again! which features vocals by Noisettes‘ Shingai Shoniwa, and How You Like Me Now. You already know the latter; it’s the extremely catchy ditty that plays background to a life-size sock monkey and fellow toy friends in the TV ad for Kia. The Heavy’s strength is that they manage to seamlessly blend a myriad of genres such as blues, jazz, country and hip hop, while keeping that constant undertow of gritty garage rock infused with soul. The tracks are dissimilar enough to keep the record fresh, and short enough to avoid boredom and to leave you wanting more.
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: House That Dirt Built
For Fans Of: Prince, Gnarls Barkley, Scissor Sisters
Listen To: The Heavy
by Canyon
In this day and age, a true sign a band is about to hit it big is for one of their singles to be selected for an Apple ad. And it just so happens that The Blue Van’s There Goes My Love is currently featured in the commercial for the mother of all hot products, Apple’s ripest harvest the iPad. It also doesn’t hurt that their single Man Up has been featured on episodes of CSI: NY and Beverly Hills 90210. And although the word “van” may conjure up a negative image for some of you, this Danish outfit’s moniker actually comes from the vehicle that provides transportation for mental institution patients in Denmark, not the kind that litter the burbs. You can expect fuzzed out guitars inspired by old school blues and rock n’ roll on their upcoming album Man Up, set to drop on June 15th. And don’t miss The Blue Van as they hit up the Jupiter Room in Montreal on June 18th!
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: Dear Independence
For Fans Of: Band of Skulls, Jet, Wolfmother
Listen To: The Blue Van
by Canyon
In a sea of walking hip hop clichés with their auto-tune and ever changing states of incarceration, it is not only refreshing but inspiring to discover an artist like B. Dolan. The master lyricist doesn’t miss a hot topic; the economy, war, drugs, weapons, prostitution and consumerism. His highly politicized discourse is not just ink on paper or idle words, his beliefs are backed with actions. In 2005, B. Dolan along with fellow label mate, tour mate and friend Sage Francis, created Knowmore.org, a website who’s aim is “to raise awareness of corporate abuse, and to serve as a catalyst for direct action against corporate power.” Turning to politics at a young age with a little help from Chuck D, KRS-One and Rage Against the Machine, B. Dolan may not have sparked a revolution yet, but he proves the worth and power of one voice on the path to change. His dedication transcends through his music, leaving you with change-the-world aspirations.
Genre: Hip Hop
Latest Album: Fallen House, Sunken City
For Fans Of: Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Buck 65
Listen To: B. Dolan
by Canyon
On the surface BISON b.c. may appear similar to the American bison we are accustomed to see roaming across the plains, but some behavioral differences do exist. For example, rather than spend their time grazing and chomping on grass, BISON b.c. have kept busy touring with Shadows Fall and High On Fire, as well as releasing their third album, Dark Ages. The Vancouver metal heavyweights also draw comparisons to another hirsute creature, Mastodon, for their love of progressive metal even though this is not the main element of their style. On both Dark Ages and their previous offering Quiet Earth, the foursome has favored lengthy tracks with a variation of effects and instruments including violin, cello, French horn, acoustic guitar and a man choir. BISON b.c. are definitely not the beasts you might expect – or at least not by day – as James Gnarwell is not only the singer and guitarist of the band but also a community support worker for an emergency shelter in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Check them out if you like it heavy… Herd of bison standing on your head heavy.
Genre: Metal
Latest Album: Dark Ages
For Fans Of: 3 Inches of Blood, Priestess, BARONESS
Listen To: BISON b.c.
A laudable debut stomps its way from the sandy shores of Long Beach, California with a fresh wave of solid poppiness. Avi Buffalo coined after spearhead Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg christened its journey in the halls of high school with junior year marking the beginning of its players at full strength. They are: drummer Sheridan Riley, bassist Arin Fazio, keyboardist and vocalist Rebecca Coleman, and of course, guitarist Avigdor. And as the story goes, hype grew and the group began tackling the crowded venues of Los Angeles. Signed to Sub Pop Records by 2009, Avi Buffalo released their self-titled debut album just recently. Beyond their years is a mature collective paying tribute to a hash of melodious tones, arranged comme il faut. Their verse might be a tad cryptic and at times, laconic, but listeners will enjoy the moments of open interpretation. The moments where our personal Truth Sets In.
Genre: Indie-Rock, Indie-Pop
Latest Album: Avi Buffalo
For Fans Of: Broken Social Scene, Band of Horses, The New Pornographers
Listen To: Avi Buffalo
“Bred in the North-East, and on the Tyneside tradition of sea songs, border songs and clog dancing”, a testimony of musical legacy is gracefully passed down to the next generation with sisters Rachel & Becky guiding the band of troubadours known as The Unthanks (formerly Rachel Unthank & The Winterset). And once again, like all virtuous musical minstrels, the luggage is bountiful. Apart from the conventional core of instruments and percussion, their ethereal voices are accompanied at times by dulcitone, marimba, autoharp, mandolin, double bass and ukulele. Quite at home with the English folk circuit, The Unthanks weave an effortless rapture with their latest album Here’s The Tender Coming (RabbleRouser Music/EMI Records). Heavily touring Europe this month and their very own UK backyard the next, this side of the pond might get a visit at the end of June or early July. Details are yet to be ironed out, but be on the lookout to be hauntingly enchanted.
Genre: Folk
Latest Album: Here’s The Tender Coming
For Fans Of: Nick Drake, Regina Spektor, Fleet Foxes
Listen To: The Unthanks
In the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a David-like population of approximately 320,000 is home to Múm, Sigur Rós, and (for those who are unaware…) Seabear. The indie folk outfit from Reykjavik, Iceland began as the solo exploit of multi-instrumentalist Sindri Már Sigfússon and burgeoned full tilt into a septet. Since their debut in 2007 with The Ghost That Carried Us Away, US telly giants like Gossip Girl and Grey’s Anatomy have snagged snippets of their illusory and quieted sounds. After releasing their second album just this March with We Built A Fire, Seabear finally toured North American soil, kicking it off at SXSW in Austin. And because Seabear has chosen to produce all around English versed songs, it isn’t difficult for most of the world to follow along, and to be possibly enamored by their soothing melodies. Nonetheless, filmakers and television producers might want to keep an eye on this one.
Genre: Indie Folk
Latest Album: We Built A Fire
For Fans Of: Sin Fang Bous, Jónsi, Beck
Listen To: Seabear
Look in your rear-view mirror and if happenstance would have it, five players would be crammed into your backseat, harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, synth, guitars, drums and waterphone in hand. Perhaps the instruments are commonplace in the indie playground, but Queens’ Freelance Whales manage to craft chimerical experiments into catchy pop with their LP debut, Weathervanes. Enter players and maybe your new buddies… Judah Dadone, Kevin Read, Doris Cellar, Jacob Hyman and Chuck Criss seem quirky, familiar and bewitching, all at the same time, just like the 70s bedspread print plastered on their MySpace music page. And now with the recent release of their album on April 13th, you can play tracks Generator^1st Floor and Generator^2nd Floor in the comfort of your own car. There’s no promise of direction, but you can certainly drink in the freeing experience of driving around in circles.
Genre: Pop/Experimental, Indie Pop
Latest Album: Weathervanes
For Fans Of: Sufjan Stevens, The Postal Service, Arcade Fire
Listen To: Freelance Whales
by Canyon
Chances are that if you’ve heard of Das Racist it’s most likely due to their track Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. It was unleashed last summer, and caused quite a stir amongst journalists and indie scenesters alike. Were these Brooklyn rhymesters the latest YouTube/MySpace one hit wonders or hip hop revolutionaries? Part social commentary, part intellectual dissertation, part adolescent jokery, one thing is certain; their musically repetitive style is controversial and does not appeal to all. Shut Up, Dude is their only official release to date and comes in the form of a free downloadable mixtape. On it you’ll find Who’s That? Brooown! which features a sample from A Tribe Called Quest’s Situation, Rainbow in the Dark another track with a fast food prominent theme and Chicken and Meat which boasts the lyrics, “People eatin’ bacon all around the nation”. Check it out for yourself – download the mixtape here.
Genre: Hip Hop
Latest Album: Shut Up, Dude
For Fans Of: Beastie Boys, Buck 65, The Lonely Island
Listen To: Das Racist
by Canyon
Los Angeles born singer/songwriter Robert Francis is definitely what you could call wise beyond his years. Describing his music, Francis explains that “Honesty is what makes a good song, I don’t think there’s a reason to write unless you’re writing about something that’s deeply important to you. If I write anything, it has to be 100 percent heartfelt. There’s not a shred of anything within my songs that isn’t 100 percent genuine.” At the current age of 22, he’s already released his second record; Before Nightfall was recorded in a studio set up like living room to promote a casual and relaxed ambiance. This album definitely has an intimate feel to it and is more stripped down than his first effort One By One. The majority of the songs rely on his four piece band as well as his sisters Carla and Juliette Commagére as occasional backup singers. Ry Cooder, an old family friend who gave Francis his first slide guitar when he was 9, also makes an appearance on the track Climb a Mountain. We are left with Do What I Can, a moving acoustic number that ends the record with the sad “I had a good heart”. Tune in while sitting by a window on a rainy day.
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: Before Nightfall
For Fans Of: Bruce Springsteen, Chris Issak, Ryan Adams
Listen To: Robert Francis
by Canyon
The latest in what seems like a tsunami of side projects is Fratellis’ singer Jon Lawler’s Codeine Velvet Club. His partner in crime in this new venture is Lou Hickey, a burlesque dancer he met through his wife, another performer at Glasgow’s Club Noir. The duo have created the type of music that feels like it shouldn’t be listened to unless dressed in an evening gown paired with satin gloves and perfectly coiffed hair (or a tux for the gents) and a glass of champagne. Oh, and a gold cigarette holder too. The tracks evoke that old 60s era Hollywood glamor; just by listening to the single Hollywood, you can “hear” the heavy red velvet curtain, the ostentatious crystal chandeliers, the diamonds and the pearls. Check out Codeine Velvet Club’s debut record, which has been out in the UK since December 2009, and will be released in the U.S. on April 6th, 2010.
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: Codeine Velvet Club
For Fans Of: Pulp, Duffy, The Ettes
Listen To: Codeine Velvet Club
by Canyon
Oshawa, Ontario’s Cuff the Duke released their fourth record, Way Down Here, Canada-wide last fall, and now it’s scheduled to drop in the US on April 20th. The follow-up to Sidelines Of The City was co-produced by Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor and recorded at his barn studio “in the middle of nowhere”. The theme of time is prevalent on the album and is explored through different contexts: time passed and wasted (The Words You Ignore), time as it relates to love (Listen To Your Heart) and the healing powers of time (Like the Morning). And although they jump and mix genres throughout, the total package remains beautifully cohesive. Until recently Cuff the Duke had been touring with Blue Rodeo, now they embark on a US tour as special guests to Serena Ryder. This cross-border jaunt will unfortunately prevent them from attending the JUNO Awards where Way Down Here has been nominated in the Adult Alternative Album category.
Genre: Alternative Country
Latest Album: Way Down Here
For Fans Of: Wilco, Son Volt, Matt Mays
Listen To: Cuff the Duke
by Canyon
Call it avant-garde or experimental metal, or better yet make up your own clever name to categorize iwrestledabearonce’s sound, but the truth of the matter is that not every band fits inside those pretty little boxes called genres. IWABO has the right attitude: “Fuck genres”. And to say they have a penchant for the eclectic is an acute understatement; their music screams schizophrenia with its scattered chaotic substructure. Over and above the cursory screaming and erratic drumming, IWABO tie in interludes ranging from country to electronic that border on incoherent. Krysta Cameron’s pipes rival fellow male counterparts in the sepulchral scream department, while also delivering howls of crystal clear goth vocals. Even the cover art for their LP, It’s All Happening, is consistent with their heterogeneous sound; a piece of patchwork composed mostly of cut-out images of body parts, money, weapons and plants. Enjoy with a cup of tea to relax after your daily yoga routine… And check out their array of kick ass Ts available here.
Genre: Metal
Latest Album: It’s All Happening
For Fans Of: The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Number 12 Look Like You, Converge
Listen To: iwrestledabearonce
by Canyon
The hype surrounding San Diego’s The Soft Pack has been up until recently, mostly due to their “controversial” former name The Muslims and the EP they put out under that name in March 2009. Now armed with a fresh new moniker, the band has recently released their debut self-titled LP, from which has sprung the two videos C’mon and Answer to Yourself. It seems the previously generated buzz around them has not died since it’s been a busy start to 2010 for the middle of the road indie rockers. In January, they drove around L.A. in FYF’s veggie powered bus to offer 10 shows in 1 day. Last month their album came out and the quartet had an opening slot for Babyshambles at the London KOKO. Soon The Soft Pack will embark on a North American tour – including a stop at Montreal’s La Tulipe on April 6th – shortly after they’re done with next week’s SXSW performances.
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: The Soft Pack
For Fans Of: Surfer Blood, The Strokes, Jay Reatard
Listen To: The Soft Pack
by Canyon
Over the last couple of years, the supergroup craze has given us a lot of narcissistic over-hyped short-lived projects. But once in a while one of these mash-ups comes along that makes us forget the deceptions. Broken Bells falls in this category. The Shins leader James Mercer has teamed up with long time mutual admirer Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley fame. So far the pair hasn’t hit a single wrong note; the marketing surrounding the release of their self-titled debut on March 9th has been spot on. They’ve released a Promo video via Starbucks’ YouTube where their single The High Road faces a panel of kid judges who test the song on a pass/fail system. What’s more, on their official website they’ve come up with a clever way of giving out the lyrics for the single that’s consistent with the planetary theme of the album art. And finally, Broken Bells are currently streaming the upcoming record in its entirety on their MySpace. Look for them to make waves on this summer’s festival circuit starting at SXSW later in the month.
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: Broken Bells
For Fans Of: Beck, Surfer Blood, Vampire Weekend
Listen To: Broken Bells
by Canyon
The Knux (short for the knuckle heads) are two brothers originally from New Orleans now relocated in Hollywood courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. They got their first bit of exposure when they were invited to tour with Common on his Finding Forever tour in 2007, creating buzz before even having a song on the market. Their first release came in 2008 after bros Krispy Kream and Rah Al Millio wowed execs at Interscope, and then released Remind Me In 3 Days… which included singles Cappuccino and Bang Bang. They’ve recently offered a free EP to the masses, to keep them good and satisfied while putting together their much anticipated second album. Titled The Fuck You EP, the 5-track sampler offers more of The Knux’s atypical eclectic hip hop sound, from the softer Fruits to old school Fuck You complete with a cover of Jason Derülo’s Watcha Say. You can download the EP here.
Genre: Hip Hop
Latest Album: The Fuck You EP
For Fans Of: Outkast, Juvenile, The Roots
Listen To: The Knux
by Canyon
With a name sourced from both an Iggy Pop tune and an album by The Vaselines, Dum Dum Girls offer us music that is reminiscent of 60s girl bands. In 2008 Cali-gal Dee Dee started DDG as a solo project, later enlisting help from some friends in order to get the act “out of the bedroom”. The group, who still don’t have a full length record to their name, recently unveiled the track listing and release date of their forthcoming LP I Will Be on their website, with a stream of the first single Jail La La as an avant-goût. Among notables making an appearance on the record, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner playing on Yours Alone and Brandon Welchez of Crocodiles lending his vocals and guitar on Blank Girl. Dum Dum Girls are also set to appear on the compilation Chickens in Love, a project by US charity 826LA dedicated to encourage children develop their creative writing skills.
Genre: Rock
Latest Album: Jail La La (single)
For Fans Of: Vivian Girls, The Raveonettes, Sonic Youth
Listen To: Dum Dum Girls