Music Review: Goblin Rebirth, Goblin Rebirth

By Jeffery X Martin

We—and by “we,” I mean no one but me—call it “State Fair Syndrome.” Creative differences between members split up a band. The musicians don’t like each other, but they like the money the band brings in. Sometimes,one band member, a smart one, will trademark the band name so no one else can use it. That way they still have the prestige and brand recognition of that famous name while ditching the rest of the band members for session musicians or road dogs who don’t charge as much. This is how you can have different iterations of the same band, with slightly different names, touring at the same time. These bands, with a splintered draw, end up playing smaller venues or, as previously stated, the state fair circuit, right next to the Tilt-A-Whirl along with Night Ranger without Tommy Shaw, who is currently fronting Styx without Dennis DeYoung.

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Music Review: Ted Nugent, Free-For-All (Expanded Edition)

By Tyler Hodg

Before he was known as an outspoken, gunslinging political pundit, Ted Nugent was a platinum-selling artist, with his first hit album being 1976’s Free-For-All. Nearly 40 years after its release, the album has been brought to back into the light in a polished remastered version. Free for All is arguably Ted Nugent’s finest musical achievement, and it’s only fitting that a celebration is called for on the eve of its 40th anniversary.

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Music Review: Fraser A. Gorman, Slow Gum

By Melissa Bratcher

Fraser A. Gorman’s Slow Gum is a curious album. The Australian’s folk-flavored debut flirts with country music, boasts some clever lyrics, and features Gorman’s likable voice. There’s good stuff here, but there’s also a weirdly loose, “I recorded this in my bedroom” vibe.

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Music Review: Wilson, Right To Rise

By Tyler Hodg

Many would argue that rock’n’roll is in a sad state of suffering, and to be honest, those people have a strong case. Very few bands are flying the rock flag with originality and honesty, which is the core essence of the genre. Detroit band Wilson isn’t shy about the music they love and play, but which side of the respect coin are they on? Unfortunately, their latest release Right To Rise proves that they, as of right now, aren’t the band to lead the rock’n’roll army to victory.

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Music Review: The Old Ceremony, Sprinter

By Melissa Bratcher

There is a terrible problem with Sprinter, the new album from Durham, North Carolina’s The Old Ceremony: it only includes ten tracks. These ten songs are incredible: transporting, literate, cinematic. I yearned for more.

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Music Review: Heather Woods Broderick, Glider

By Melissa Bratcher

There’s an air of wanderlust to Heather Woods Broderick’s Glider. A gifted multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Broderick has toured and recorded with Efterklang, Horse Feathers, and Sharon Van Etten’s band. On Glider, Broderick gently coaxes out her vision, one that is introspective with lovely layers of vocals.

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Kickstarter Campaign: Give Horror Film Ayla All the Money

By Jeffery X Martin

Kickstarter has become the great bazaar for creators, all of them camped out under their virtual canopies, hands open, hoping visitors will stop and just look at their wares. Yet like any bazaar, the buyer should beware. It can be a strange and dangerous marketplace, and one doesn’t want to toss their money about blithely. If you can find an amazing concept, with some great people behind the scenes, odds are you’ve made a fine Kickstarter decision.

Please allow me to make a strong suggestion.

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Big Music Fest 2015: Preview

By Tyler Hodg

Since its inception in 2008, Big Music Fest has been synonymous with delivering a weekend filled with performances by major acts, which over the years have included The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Bryan Adams, and last year’s insanely awesome headliner Aerosmith. This year is no different, as Big Music Fest is once again on track to prove that southern Ontario truly “rocks”! Big Sugar, Jane’s Addiction, and Soundgarden will all give performances that will undoubtedly make this weekend one to remember.

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NXNE 2015 Review: From APTBS To Zola Jesus

By Less Lee Moore

The musical tornado that was NXNE 2015 blew into Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, boasting hundreds of bands performing over a five-day span, not to mention various film screenings, installations, and even a record sale. It’s not for the faint of heart or the weak of feet, but it is an exhilarating, if exhausting, event.
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NXNE 2015 Review: Jacco Gardner at The Horseshoe Tavern

By Brendan Ross

June 17, 2015
Toronto, ON

It was about a year ago that Jacco Gardner’s debut album Cabinet of Curiosities was introduced to me. I was immediately seduced by its sunny psychedelic melodies, which invoked the 1960s chamber pop style of Syd Barrett, The Zombies, and Love, to name a few. Not the most groundbreakingly original album, no, but it resonated with me instantly and I fell in love. “Clear The Air” very quickly became my 2014 song of the summer.

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