Band: The Maladies of Adam Stokes EP: The Maladies of Adam Stokes Shot of choice: tequila, at least according to Michael Hill Toronto-based The Maladies of Adam Stokes is a 6-piece country/folk rock band. The band is comprised of Michael Hill (vocals, guitar), Kohji Nagata (guitar, lap steel, vocals), Josh Awerbuck (guitar, vocals), Emily Anderson […]

Band: The Breaks EP: Odd Man Out Shot of choice: Rumple Minze (peppermint schnapps) The Breaks is a 4-piece band based out of St. Louis, Missouri. Their 5-song EP, Odd Man Out, is a strong collection of power pop/rock tunes. The band is made up of Collin Christopher (vocals, guitar, organ), Sean Michael Gartner (guitar, […]

[Note: This is Jane’s Party post-shot. Their shot was on a bit of a timer (see shot of choice below), so we couldn’t get a photo of them with the shot in hand.] Date of show: February 2, 2011 Shot of choice: flaming sambuca Despite the “snowstorm” that hit the city, there was a great […]

Band: Entire Cities Album: I Hope You Never Come Home Shot of choice: Simon Borer says, “Consensus: anything! Except for those of us who are friends of Bill W. For them, cranberry juice!” Entire Cities is a Toronto-based band boasting 7+ members. The band is made up of Simon Borer (vocals, guitar), Andrew Bartle (drums), […]

Band: The Barettas 7″: Touche Shot of choice: jager The Barettas is an all-female 3-piece based out of Hamilton comprised of Katie Bulley (vocals, guitar), Carly Killotta (drums, vocals) and Kate Kimberley (bass). These ladies pride themselves on their work ethic, having been influenced by blue collar Hamilton. They apply this to their music, but […]

Band: Gramercy Riffs Album: It’s Heartbreak Shot of choice: whiskey Gramercy Riffs released their debut full-length, It’s Heartbreak, last year. And yes, I’m a little late (or a lot late) in the game by reviewing the album now, but given that they just recently played the show we presented at the Piston, I thought it […]

Band: Broken Bricks EP: Little Fugitives Broken Bricks is a Toronto-based 2-piece outfit made up of Marlon Chaplin and Luke Kuplowsky, both multi-instrumentalists. Their 6-song Little Fugitives EP is their first official release, although they had previously recorded a demo in 2009 that garnered some attention. Broken Bricks recorded Little Fugitives with John Crichley (Dan […]

Date of show: January 21, 2011 Shot of choice: whiskey Windsor’s Michou is a nicely packaged pop band, delivering catchy hooks and happy beats. Led by Mike Hargreaves (vocals, guitar) and his bright and comforting vocals, the quartet is rounded out by Sasha Appler (keys, trumpet, vocals), Ryan Frith (bass, vocals) and Stefan Cvetkovic, who […]

Band: Braids Album: Native Speaker Montreal (via Calgary)-based Braids have released their debut album Native Speaker. Fronted by Raphaelle Standell-Preston (vocals, guitar), her heartbreaking vocals envelop the listener consistently throughout the album. Rounding out the rest of the 4-piece are Austin Tufts (drums, vocals), Katie Lee (keys, vocals) and Taylor Smith (guitar, bass, vocals). The […]

Artist: Laura Peek Album: Key Halifax singer-songwriter Laura Peek is set to release a follow-up to her 2007 release From the Photographs, which marks a solo venture minus backing band The Winning Hearts. She is not without help, though, as her sophomore full-length showcases beautifully layered arrangements alongside her skillful piano work. Peek’s lovely vocals […]