Category: Review

Loch Nisse Monster’s debut album is a daring concept record that explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup through the metaphorical framework of a murder investigation. Forensis evokes themes of forensic analysis, diving deep into the unsettling process of uncovering hidden truths. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 13th saw the release of Stoby’s third album “Reinventing the Waltz”. This project started in 2017 as the band was first coming together.

What stands out about “Book Of Fools” as a whole, is that no matter what musical direction or genre a song may drift into, they all make sense and fit into a cohesive project.

What do you get when you cross a goofy, sarcastic sense of humour, with impressive musicianship and songs so catchy that audiences know every word before they’re even released? You get Out by Lucy.

On August 18th, 2023, the Rainbow was home to a multidisciplinary music show by the local band, Kaspien. The noticeable sense of camaraderie amongst the guests could be attributed to the crowd, which would grow in size as the night grew older.

Side by Side Weekend is “Ottawa’s hottest independent music festival” since the first. iteration in 2018. It has garnered a big buzz and a great reputation for having an incredible selection of bands from all around Canada.

What do you get when you cross shredding guitar, groovy bass lines and thunderous drums with lush synth pads, ripping keytar solos and a vocoder? You get the debut album “Sparrow’s Valley” from Ottawa rock outfit Sparrow’s Valley.

Heavy metal fans delight in Rockin’ Engine’s newest release, Altered by Evil.

Their last EP, The Wretched and the Damned, released in 2020 and the band is sure that “People who already follow us will notice a huge musical growth since our last EP.”

Guest Room Status is a four-piece Emo band from Ottawa, Ontario that blends elements from Emo, Pop Punk and Math Rock into a refreshing and exciting sound, uniquely their own. 

just fine is a soft alt-rock band from Ottawa, ON with a very misleading name. They are commonly described as “more than just fine” (or “the nickel back of Ottawa” by some die-hard fans)

F!TH is a 5 piece hard rock group from Ottawa and just released their debut self-titled EP

Il Vicolo’s infamous outdoor patio was closed- reserved for quick smoke breaks, and drawing attendants inside. A narrow front room with homey accents and a long stretch of wooden bar marks the first room of this multi-level locale.

F!TH is the latest hard rock 5-piece band to break into the Ottawa scene with their debut single “DEAD” and they are coming out swinging with no remorse.

With the new year coming, there’s a sense of change and creation in the air. Out with the old and in with the new. A night of incredible art and live music turned out to be exactly what the Ottawa creative scene needed.

Class of 91’s second EP, Lost Stories, starts off with a seemingly upbeat sound before a six-song descent into the woes of human nature as a whole, and one final song to lift your spirits. 

Put aside your fears of missing out and get ready for a powerful set of songs from The New Hires.

Gather your friends, get out your hash pipe, fill the cooler with Heineken, and get ready to rock out in the garage to the new hard-hitting LP from Stoby. 

“ONTARIO HYPERPUKE is an offshoot of hyper pop, for me, it’s about an Ontario-centric genre as well as expanding on what hyper pop means,” HUG MOSH announced, at his show on September 2nd.

Local Ottawa grunge powerhouse Klawfield returns with just under 10 minutes of non-stop attitude and explosive songwriting that is bursting at the seams with authenticity and passion. 

With a roaring sound that demands your attention alongside technical skill that commands your respect, Abrade The Earth pulls no punches with their debut album The Essence of Everything.

Gathered on the sidewalk below the second-floor venue of Cafe Dekcuf, grew a whirlwind of excited chatter, laughter and cigarette smoke. It was time for the show to begin.

The Live on Elgin venue is comfortable, professional and romantically lit. High-top tables line both sides of the room, parted by the dance floor and faced by the stage.