Tag: music review

Album Reviews, Zines

Feel layers of ranging emotions on Kira May’s lush LP, Sense

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Saying that Kira May’s new album is an experience sells it short. The Toronto-based artist first made a mark with her debut Health EP, which earned praise for its prominent use of looped vocals, able to create soaring soundscapes with some accompaniment on guitar and percussion. Her new record, due out this Friday, uses these techniques … Continue reading Feel layers of ranging emotions on Kira May’s lush LP, Sense

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Show Reviews, Zines

Loma Gripped Audiences at the Bootleg, Supported by Jess Williamson

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by Laura Pasek.  Loma came out with another five-piece touring band for their set, this time led by Emily Cross of Cross Record. (Her partner in that project, Dan Duszynski, is also in Loma.) She had on an all-white ensemble, intending to catch the light of the tubes laying across the floor of the stage. There … Continue reading Loma Gripped Audiences at the Bootleg, Supported by Jess Williamson

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Album Reviews, Zines

Orchestral Pop group Freedom Baby grows up with their new EP

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  On their new EP, Freedom Baby analyze anxiety, and manage to find the light at the end of the tunnel. The band is a nine-piece orchestral pop group, affectionately called “ork pop,” led by partners Eric and Brianna. The duo initially set out to make music that relied more on synths than glockenspiels, but something about … Continue reading Orchestral Pop group Freedom Baby grows up with their new EP

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Album Reviews, Zines

******** Drinks to Cope with a Mad World

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Both Ormston and Ω have established reputations for making music way outside the box, so their collaboration here makes perfect sense. What they managed to create together expands on what they both were already good at, adding effects like canned laughter or scratchy recordings of Christmas carols and film dialogue where appropriate. It often feels more … Continue reading ******** Drinks to Cope with a Mad World

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Album Reviews, Zines

Cloud wallows in sensitivity while celebrating life on Plays with Fire

Photo Credit: Carson Lund Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  When you play with fire, you’re supposed to get burned. But what if you’re careful with fire? Even when handling flames with your most serious demeanor, it’s still possible to get hurt. At least, that’s what can be learned from Cloud’s sensitive and joyous new album. On the band’s nine-track effort titled … Continue reading Cloud wallows in sensitivity while celebrating life on Plays with Fire

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Show Reviews, Zines

YACHT and French Vanilla Celebrate a Triumphant Return Home at the Lodge Room

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by House of Vivian. Evans has been the de facto lead singer ever since she joined the band, so she commanded a majority of the stage, while Bechtolt and Kieswetter typically stuck to their places behind their machines–computers, synths, and guitars–in the center-back. They played everything off their recent Strawberry Moon EP, and several other tracks … Continue reading YACHT and French Vanilla Celebrate a Triumphant Return Home at the Lodge Room

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Album Reviews, Interviews, Zines

A Steamer, a Cult, and Lauren Ruth Ward’s Debut Album

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Lauren Ruth Ward stands in front of a mirror holding up a shimmering disco ensemble. We’re in the Echo’s green room joined by a few people that play in other bands on tonight’s bill, as well as some peripheral friends. It is the first night of Ward’s January residency and the two-piece suit and jacket on … Continue reading A Steamer, a Cult, and Lauren Ruth Ward’s Debut Album

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Daily

Kacey Johansing No Longer Lives in Hiding

sngalbums: At the center of The Hiding is a lyric on the title track that gets at the heart of Kacey Johansing’s message. “Everyone keeps hiding what they long to find,” she sings, as if unveiling a universal truth that no one wants to admit that they knew. On this new record, she discusses relationships and love, often as an intrusive observer, though it could … Continue reading Kacey Johansing No Longer Lives in Hiding

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Album Reviews

Kacey Johansing No Longer Lives in Hiding

At the center of The Hiding is a lyric on the title track that gets at the heart of Kacey Johansing’s message. “Everyone keeps hiding what they long to find,” she sings, as if unveiling a universal truth that no one wants to admit that they knew. On this new record, she discusses relationships and love, often as an intrusive observer, though it could all … Continue reading Kacey Johansing No Longer Lives in Hiding

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Daily

Are Our Gods Best? Ruminating on Emay’s New LP, Ilah

sngalbums: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  Adams worked mostly solo on this record. A few guests contribute on the refrains, grounding the lofty project, but never detract attention away from what is largely autobiographical. Emay also produced all the backing tracks throughout Ilah, filling it with chopped drums and spliced samples for a unique listening experience, if not an acquired taste. The album’s production is … Continue reading Are Our Gods Best? Ruminating on Emay’s New LP, Ilah

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