Live Review: Bahamas @ 9:30 Club — 10/12/21

Posted on 10/18/2021 by Casey Vock in Live Review and tagged 9:30 Club, Bahamas, Canada, folk, Toronto.

Bahamas perform at 9:30 Club on Oct. 12, 2021. (Photo by Casey Vock)

Some recording artists deserve to be admired for their commitment to enhancing their songbook, continually challenging themselves to dive deeper into a creative process that the average person can’t even begin to imagine.

A gentleman out of Ontario named Afie Jurvanen has proven himself to be exceptionally dedicated to his craft, and he recently brought his musical vehicle, Bahamas, to the 9:30 Club for what was an impressive, charming weeknight reminder that he’s one of the best individual performers hailing from north of the border — some might argue on the whole darn continent, and his collection of Juno awards and nominations supports that notion.

Song of the Day: “Cake” by Lydia Ainsworth

Posted on 04/22/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Canada, electronic, indie pop, Lydia Ainsworth, Song of the Day, Toronto.

Lydia Ainsworth (Photo by Zoe Koke)

“Cake,” the new single from singer, songwriter and producer Lydia Ainsworth’s forthcoming album Sparkles & Debris, is out today with an accompanying video directed by Takeshi Suga and shot in Tokyo before the start of the pandemic.

The album, which follows 2019’s acclaimed Phantom Forest and blends live drums, guitars and bass with Ainsworth’s signature vast electronic landscapes, is due May 21 via Zombie Cat Records.

Song of the Day: “Blood in the Sand” by Talk Show Host

Posted on 04/06/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Canada, power pop, Song of the Day, Talk Show Host, Toronto.

Talk Show Host (Photo by Amanda Fotes)

What’s the internet for if not to watch cat videos? Well, Parklife has the best cat video for your eyes in a while!

You see, Toronto power-pop punk trio Talk Show Host release Mid-Century Modern, their debut full-length, on June via Wiretap Records & Disconnect Disconnect Records. And the lead single, “Blood In The Sand,” is streaming everywhere, along with a new music video, which features Mila the cat.

Livestream Preview: Andy Shauf @ Noon Chorus, 10/18/20

Posted on 10/15/2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Andy Shauf, Canada, chamber pop, folk, livestream, Noon Chorus, Toronto.

Andy Shauf (Photo by Colin Medley)

Andy Shauf released The Neon Skyline earlier this year via ANTI_, and he next performs in a livestream to benefit Encampment Support Network Toronto via Noon Chorus on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Song of the Day: “War” by Tedy

Posted on 06/30/2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Canada, Song of the Day, soul, Tedy, Toronto.

Tedy (Photo by Mathew Guido)

Singer-songwriter  Tedy recently released a video for his latest track “War” stripped down version, via Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.

“War” is the second major label single from the Montreal-based artist. The video was filmed in the bare streets of downtown Toronto during quarantine.

Song of the Day: “Pick It Up” by Fast Romantics

Posted on 06/18/2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Canada, Fast Romantics, power pop, Song of the Day, Toronto.

Fast Romantics (Photo by Jen Squires)

Toronto-based acclaimed indie-rock band Fast Romantics have announced their new LP Pick It Up, due out Aug. 7 on Postwar Records. Album title track “Pick It Up” and its accompanying quarantine-friendly video is inspired by frontman Matthew Angus’ lifelong battle with depression and anxiety.

Interview: Jason Thomson of Vast Robot Armies

Posted on 05/08/2020 by marcshea2 in Interview and tagged Canada, Interview, post-punk, post-rock, rock, Song of the Day, Toronto, Vast Robot Armies.

Vast Robot Armies album cover for Paper Crown Parade (Artwork by Victor Malang)

Vast Robot Armies describe themselves as “three cities, two countries, one band.” John Agee (guitar, bass, and vocals) and Joe Wells (guitar, bass, synth, and backing vocals) hail from Kansas City, Missouri. Jason Thomson (guitars, piano, synths, and vocals) lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The band recently released a new full-length album titled Paper Crown Parade. I caught up with Jason to ask him about standout song “Little Detroit.”

Preview: Sloan @ Union Stage, 2/22/20

Posted on 02/18/2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Canada, power pop, Sloan, Toronto, Union Stage.

Sloan (Photo by Corbin Smith)

Late last year, Sloan released a deluxe edition of Navy Blues, their seminal 1998 album, and they are now on a tour to play the album in full. Sloan sails the tour to Union Stage on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Live Review: Cowboy Junkies @ The Birchmere — 1/29/20

Posted on 01/31/2020 by Mark Engleson in Live Review and tagged alt-country, Canada, Cowboy Junkies, folk, The Birchmere, Toronto.

Cowboy Junkies (Photo by Heather Pollock)

Following their game plan from their previous visit to The Birchmere in July 2018, the Cowboy Junkies went with a proven format for their recent show there. They’d play two sets. The first, slightly shorter set, would mostly consist of songs from their latest album, All That Reckoning, while the second set would comb their extensive catalog from more than 30 years together.

Live Review: Orville Peck @ Union Stage — 9/21/19

Posted on 09/25/2019 by David LaMason in Live Review and tagged Canada, country, cowboy, Orville Peck, Sub Pop, Toronto, Union Stage.

Orville Peck croons the night away at Union Stage on Sept. 21, 2019. (Photo by David LaMason)

Whether it’s the smooth baritone croon, the old west cowboy veneer, or perhaps the well talked about mystery behind the fringed black mask that draws you in: Once you witness Orville Peck, it’s hard not to be a fan.