Some new records, or soon-to-be-out records, that we're gonna weigh in on here and now:
1. K-OS, Joyful Rebellion: marvelously inventive hiphop with so many different influences it's impossible to trace them all in this short review; suffice it to say that this brother from Toronto is gonna tear it up in the next year if there's any justice. This is the followup to 2002's Exit, and said to be a "logical progression". I just think it's dope.
2. The Reason, Ravenna: remember Grade? I was never into them, but they say the Reason will be the heir apparent since Grade's demise left a void in the Burlington(Ontario) screamo scene. This record, while the production is a little off in places, is pretty tight; who know vocalist Adam White(formerly of nonsense punk band Sewing With Nancie) could scream like this? Wow!
3. Rise Against, Siren Song of the Counter Culture: I don't actually own this one yet; when I saw it on the listening post at Music World downtown I had to have a listen, and well was I rewarded: Rise Against have not, as some critics feel, sold out to a major label - instead, they've amped it up considerably, and this record blisters. Everything that killed about their last album Revolutions Per Minute(2003, Fat Wreck) they jacked up, and this one lays everyone to waste. And Music World's got it for eleven bucks! Go!
4. The Tea Party, Seven Circles: this was one of the first rock bands I ever listened to ten years ago, and I still think they rock, though in a very radio-friendly way. Worth a listen if you're a fan, anyway. Remember The Edges of Twilight? 1995? Amazing album.
Unearth vocalist Trevor Phipps is interviewed by David Allen(hxc) in the new issue of HM magazine; when asked about playing for much bigger crowds nowadays, Trevor had this to say, and I quote: "My nerves do rattle, like a little bit, and I do get a bit tense, so unfortunately...I take two shots of whiskey before I go on and it helps out. I don't wasted before I go on because then I'll just be a mess, but after two shots of whiskey I totally relax." I find this funny, given that Unearth are such an incredible live band to begin with. I hope HM doesn't come for our hides for reprinting this. Think a link would help? Booyah!
One-21 is rumoured to be in Ottawa and environs later this month; we'll let you know when and if it happens fo' sheezy. I'd actually get my interview, finally! After years of trying! How 'bout that. In Shows That ARE Happening news, Vancouver's Sweatshop Union are in town at Zaphod's tomorrow night(September 9th). Go. Posse hiphop the likes of which you've never seen.
Essential Listening for today, September 8th(bet you figured that out) is Nora's newest album, Dreamers and Deadmen. What a nasty hardcore-tinged rock and roll band. I love them. You all should too.
In some Bands I've Liked For Years But Who Haven't Put Out A Record Since 1999 news, Stavesacre are set to release a new album, just we don't know which label or when or anything like that. Some examples of said new music are available at their website. Good rock and roll band.
Once again the kids at OGS are on the ball(they have lots more time to do this than we do here) with news that MxPx have followed Slick Shoes(in a more indirect routing) from Tooth and Nail Records over to SideOneDummy. A new full-length from the Seattle-area trio is scheduled for sometime in 2005. I like it!
The Coheed & Cambria/Underoath tour now has CanCon: October 13th the tour hits Toronto. Still nothing for Ottawa. Don't get excited either.
Just a warning: reviews of the record from Hazen Street might lead you to believe otherwise, but considering the pedigree involved(members of H2O, Madball and New Found Glory), this album is a major disappointment. There was one riff on the entire album that I heard and liked. One.
ONE!
Bah.
Posted by mike at September 8, 2004 02:21 PM