The Auckland power-pop, alt-rock, multi-hyphenate-indie quartet bring an affable charm and effortless musical virtuosity to ear-wormy, emotionally taut songs you can just as easily mosh or cry to depending on what you pick and the emotions you bring to it.
Speaking Evil Never Sounded So Sweet
Speak Evil is the latest and final EP from Ottawa’s favourite simian namesake rock outfit, Bonobo Backlash. Still, they made sure that their departure was accompanied by a soundtrack to be remembered.
The Astros: Just Around the Corner
On Just Around the Corner, the latest album from The Astros, I can hear the band’s cogs turning; “what does this really mean”.
Two years following the release of their debut album, Sci-Fi Radio, I was strapping myself in for more fuzzed out riffage, tasteful instrumentation, and more jams to jump around to.
Teenage Fiction: Déjà Rêvé
Massive instrumentation, mature arrangements, cerebral lyrics, and oh so many tasty riffs: this is Teenage Fiction at their best. Teenage Fiction’s new EP, “Déjà Rêvé,” is a vibrant exploration of emotional depth and existential questioning, all wrapped up in a diverse sonic landscape.
UNBRIDLED JOY, OR, “MEETING” JEFF ROSENSTOCK
If there’s a single word to describe the long-awaited return of Jeff Rosenstock to Ottawa, it would be joy. There was an unmistakable joy from the band and the crowd alike that spoke to a unique and meaningful sense of community, DIY punk’s cool uncle helped create.
Positive Charge: How to Fit In and How It Matters
Punk Rock at its finest, Positive Charge’s new album “How to Fit In and Why It Matters” speaks to my little punk heart. Great riffage, vocal delivery, and musicianship bring the poignant lyrics to life in this nine-track album that will leave you wanting more.
Juventud: Remembrance of Things Past In Search of Lost Time
uventud has always been an act that I have been enthralled by: their vision, attitude, and most importantly vibe. Their sound perfectly encapsulates the ennui of late capitalism, while simultaneously appealing to a shared sense of nostalgia.
Customer Service, satisfaction guaranteed
It’s not often that the title of an EP can be both attention-grabbing and serve as sensible life advice. “Live More Forever” is the debut EP from East Coast emotional rockers Customer Service.
Nepture: the Colour Album
A blend of House music producer LittleBoiAaron (Aaron Crozier) and metal guitarist Nathan Zinck, Neptune merges the two into one sound.
Tuning In: A data-driven exploration of the Ottawa music scene
Have you been in any of these situations: talking with your bandmates about the next release, chatting with friends at a show about the scene, or talking to your close friends about your favourite recent local releases? Has anyone ever told you that we’re in a “singles era”, while simultaneously talking about how much they loved the most recent local EPs?