


Back with a follow up to their debut single, Johnny, Basement Revolver has released the aftermath of a heartbroken teen trying to cling to the remains of a fantasy with Johnny pt. 2.
After years of silence from the Toronto band, Alvvays have come back on the scene with In Undertow, as well as an album announcement.
Always sweetly dark and haunting, Emily Haines’ new song is a hymn to chill your bones and awaken that lost teenager inside of us all. Her charm and talent is riddled into each of her tracks and is something that never gets old.
Shake Smile, off their sophomore album, is no surprise one of the best new songs of summer 2017. Big Thief isn’t new to the love of online communities with their emotional lyrics and honestly sweet tunes that touch a part of you you didn’t know existed.
An underrated treat, Death Valley Girls are a band to put on your radar immediately. Dripping with GRL PWR they make a name for strong female leads with their strong tunes and mind blowing shows.
Next month bands from all over the world will invade the city for four nights of nonstop music. We know the big names are some must see shows, but don’t let the smaller font fool you. There are some hidden gems you should not overlook. Here are a few of the smaller name you shouldn’t miss at CMW this year.
Making everyone fall in love with the addicting track, Johnny, which dips into the mind of a heartbroken girl in love (which we’ve all been), Basement Revolver has been quickly causing a stir around them. Their debut EP was a strong glimpse at what is to come from the band. Invoking deep emotion when you listen, they’re even more powerful live.
The Australian duo will once again grace CMW stages, but they’ve got a new look and sound. They’ll blow your mind with their oddly sensual set. Try not to fall in love with them as they turn each room into their own private jam session.
For three nights Japanese Breakfast will be climbing on amps and jumping around the Silver Dollar stage. Belting out an enticing rock, the band is a one of a kind gem.
A simple packaged band with an extraordinary sound. Making the long trek from Ireland, Bitch Falcon are a band you need to keep on your radar.
Dropping Dirty from their name didn’t alter anything that we loved about Frigs. They’re still the same grimy alt-rock you love to get wrapped up in. Droning guitar taken from the ’70s and a raspy voiced angel make these guys a must see show.
2017 is sure to bring some exciting and much anticipated albums forth. Along the way we need to recall some of the greats that last year gave us. This week’s top five is dedicated to those we fell in love with last year.
You could say they’re following in the footsteps on bands like Fidlar, but it would be unfair. SWMRS are paving their way one rowdy show at a time. Beneath the thrashing guitar and sweaty shows, Drive North is an overwhelming note of positivity much needed in 2016.
The indie darlings produced one of the most underrated catchy songs of the year. Johnny, the first single off of their debut album, will make you fall in love with the softly sweet voice of Christy Hurn. Each song on the album is a mirage covering the confessions and meanings riddled into each track.
Full of confessions straight from the soul Mothers debut EP is a frighteningly honest look into heartbreak, happiness and sadness. Listen to it with a box of tissues near your side, or if you need a lift.
Shut Up Kiss Me was undoubtably one of the best singles to shout along to. It won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, and neither with Olsen. My Women is a slightly different direction showing the growth and triumphs an artist overcome. The album is a wondrous ride no matter what mood.
The debut album from the Toronto-based band was six songs full of addicting pulse accelerating rock. Devotion is the most catching track on the album and the title track is a gem of it’s own. The time and effort put into the album is apparent with each perfected track. The polish on the debut is a strong step into the music scene for the band we’ll be seeing a lot more of.
Heard the name Ida Maria? No? Thought so. Just because a band or artist makes it big does not mean they’re music is the greatest thing in the world. In the land of marketing and luck many bands that are known are just, meh. With so many choices out there, it’s easy to overlook some great ones. If you don’t have endless time to listen to music all day (like I do)…or have a social life that doesn’t revolve around seeing bands (unlike me) than you may be missing out on what the world has to offer. So many great acts don’t achieve the success that they truly deserve. So here is a little glimpse at some musician that aren’t known to many, but are the world to me.
Violent Soho
These Australian rockers have been around a while and for good reason. Violent Soho are a riot in each album. The band is a rowdy mess of perfectly droning yelling, high energy that makes you want to throw down (no matter how sweet and docile you are).
Band of Skulls
Catchy hooks and a throttle of energy, Band of Skulls are beginning to gain more recognition. Their latest release is more of a pop take on their folky rock sound. I commend them for the change, they switched up their sound without losing themselves in the process. They still get you with the hooks, like them or not, once their chores come around you’ll be singing along with them.
Ida Maria
Ida Maria is one of the most unknown musical genius’ to walk the earth. The Norwegian rock star has two albums each variously different with EP’s freckled throughout her career. Quick, witty and always pushing the envelope by challenging stereotypes. She couldn’t make a bad song even if she tried.
Gin Wigmore
Three albums and great success overseas, Wigmore is rarely known in Canada. *Gasp* With such shame! With a name like Gin, you can expect she’s a smoky voice, tattooed siren. Her style is constantly changing. Somewhere between rock, blues, and sometimes a little country influence just because she can. Her poorest songs, are still nothing short of amazing and with such a unique voice she’s difficult to get out of your mind.
Basement Revolver
Hamilton’s newest baby band that is popping up EVERYWHERE, Basement Revolver, is by far the band to watch. With the release of their first EP in July and their epic song Johnny you’ll quickly become obsessed with everything they get their hands on.
Hump day brings out the happiness and sadness in all of us. It’s a reminder that the weekend is almost here, but not quite. Here are this week’s top five tracks to insert a little more happiness into your world. From Australia, to right here in Toronto these are songs by up and coming artists that can’t be missed.
Methyl Ethel - Shadowboxing
Born in the mind of Jake Webb, Methyl Ethel’s latest release, Oh Inhuman Spectacle (2015), is a goldmine and one of the most underrated albums. The stars of the collection Shadow Boxing and Rouges stick out for their unqiue aura surrounding the entire album. Odd lyrics, coupled with an oddly futuristic retro vibe makes the band stick out from others.
Broncho - Señora Boreales
A unique voice paired with a throbbing bass and guitar. Broncho are Dine Alone’s budding gem. Their latest release, Double Vanity, is a collection of dark groaning of barley distinguishable lyrics that are overtaken by hypnotic instruments. Which sounds odd until you hear it and you realize it’s something so skilled only they could pull it off.
Angel Olsen "Shut Up and Kiss Me"
Basement Revolver - Words
They’re quickly making a name for themselves with their capturing tracks. Basement Revolver is a name you’ll see popping up quickly. Words, is the second track released off of their debut EP, the track is one you could replay all day long and not get tired of.
Japanese Breakfast - In Heaven
Beloved by many, Japanese Breakfast is known for her stunning live performances. Currently on tour, with a Toronto date July 22nd. In Heaven is just a glimpse of the wonderful thing that is Japanese Breakfast.
The song is something you’d expect to hear inside the mind of a freshly broken person. With their life falling downward, a contrast of happiness heard in the guitar, turns the song into a reminder of the temporary state. It’s a lush experience as Chrisy Hurn introduces herself though a sweetly tragic strum of guitar. An angsty mood builds as the sound from Basement Revolver finds a lovely harmony between grunge and indie rock with their debut single, Johnny. The bandmates, Brandon Munro (drums), Nimal Agalawatte (bass/synth) and singer Chrisy Hurn (guitar) perfectly pair mellow tune with distorted guitar offset by somber lyrics, making the first single off of their debut EP a memorable.
Check out the single below!