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Archive for the ‘Album Review’ Category
I thought these guys had disappeared off the face of the Earth. Really. After having released their album “Another Link In The Chain” independently and a few appearances on MTV, The Junction seemed to have broken up without word.
And then something popped up in my Facebook News Feed that made me smile:
“The Junction CD Release Party at The Horseshoe Tavern”
My eyes could not believe what they saw. I attended the show at the Horseshoe and had my mind blown completely by these guys. I hadn’t seen them since I was in high school (probably 3 or 4 years ago) and here I was, seeing them at a venue that I couldn’t even get into a couple years ago, watching them release their third full-length album, “Grievances.” Continue reading
Goon. Bro. Bud. Partycat. If you’re into Southern Metal… Well, shit, even if you’re not, it’s hard to deny the fact that the goons in Partycat make good music. From Brampton, ON, Partycat was formed by ex-members of Brampton band Rosedale. After going through numerous line up changes, the band solidified their line up with members Davin Crawford on drums, Jarrett Dawe on vocals, with Steve Sap and Patty Kosak on guitars. Influenced by bands like Alexisonfire, Dead and Divine, and Holly Springs Disaster; Partycat’s influences are all recognizable in the tunes they write, but they still manage to come up with something that’s uniquely their own. And it’s really fucking good.
-*Anyone who has ever seen the Glee Project knows Cameron Mitchell. Cute, awkward hipster from Texas, Cameron Mitchell won over the heart of every woman in North America with his awkward smile, unconventional dance moves, and dreamy voice. I know I’m not the only person out there who cried a little when he made the decision to leave The Glee Project.
Of course I Googled him, like any good fanboy/girl, and came across his YouTube channel. I think of the 200 000 views or so on his “Long Distance Call” cover (originally by Phoenix), 100 000 are mine. Yes, he’s that good. I was also surprised to find out that he is a talented guitar player, coming from a family of trained musicians.
Anyways, on to the good stuff. Long story short, I found out that he released an EP, which he recorded with his friend Jon Draper. The EP is called “Love Can Wait,” featuring Cameron Mitchell on vocals and guitar, and Jon Draper on just about everything else.
His writing style is quite similar to that of John Mayer in his “Heavier Things” era. Lots of blues influence, yet still very happy-go-lucky, the 5 tracks will definitely put a smile on anyone’s face.
Love Can Wait, the tune the album is named, is recognizable as the tune that he auditioned for the Glee Project with. Danceable and catchy, short and sweet, you can’t help but tap your feet to this tune.
Pay Them Bills is a little darker, although in my opinion, it showcases Cameron’s vocal talent the most, with wide verses and gritty choruses. I feel, however, that the auto-tune takes away from the tune.
If you get the chance, order the EP off iTunes.
Track Listing:
- Love Can Wait
- Dance Dance (If Ya Wanna!)
- I Need Your Love
- Pay Them Bills
- Worry Is War
Also check out his YouTube covers, including John Mayer’s “Stop This Train” and “Clarity,” Phoenix’s “Long Distance Call,” and Coldplay’s “Shiver.”
Links:
Long Distance Call – Phoenix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAyp8iubD2I
Stop This Train – John Mayer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_vMiALYhGs
Shiver – Coldplay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eALZkOrRzVU&feature=related
Such A Mystery – Cameron Mitchell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJnMLBXm5VA
Justin Vernon is Bon Iver. To clear the air for those that are hearing either of these names more frequently, you are now ‘in the know’. Justin Vernon, the indie-folk singer/songwriter is the voice of beauty behind Bon Iver. A long, long time ago in a far-away cabin in the woods of North-east Wisconsin, Bon Iver’s debut album For Emma, Forever Ago was born. No words other than those found in a thesaurus search result for “genius”, “serene” and “delicate” still do the record no justice. The pain from a heartbreak and previous band breakup was our gain, and certainly no fan complained.
The self-titled Bon Iver (a.k.a. baby number 2) album was born this summer – a little less wounded but still emotionally remarkable. With a much more layered sound, Bon Iver takes their sound to new heights. Notable tracks: all of them. There are no winners on this album – from beginning to end this album takes you on a rollercoaster of faultlessness. If you have yet to take a stand in the love/hate relationship battle with “Beth/Rest”, I assure you, it too will find a place in your heart. Bon Iver pushes the bar not only lyrically, but also with their mastered use of the synthesizer.
For those lovers who wish for the fragile sound of For Emma, Forever Ago, do not agonize; “Holecene” and “Michicant” will undoubtedly be your new favourite songs. “Wash.” the clean and melodic loop of piano simplicity, will appease the stress of any music lover. On a previously released EP along with Bon Iver’s raw version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time”, “Calgary” was a huge hit as the album’s first single. The next single to strike hesitant disbelievers: “Holecene”. I dare you not to fall in lust. This album is undeniable a classic. Need proof? Look no further than to the last lyric of this album; “This is axiom”.