Date of show: April 29, 2011 By the time Teenage Kicks hit the stage at 12:30, the venue was packed, especially right up front. The set started off with “Brooklyn Bridge,” the same way the band starts off their Rational Anthems EP, the release of which was being celebrated that night. It didn’t take long […]
The Darcys Play Steam Whistle’s Unsigned Series and Pack the Brewery
Date of show: April 29, 2011 The week before this show, we saw The Darcys play at Harry Rosen, which is part of a new series called Harry’s Underground Lounge. The show was live to air on CIUT 88.5 FM and featured an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and fashion savvy folk. The band played two […]
Dazzling Folk Rock with The Acorn at the Horseshoe Tavern
Date of show: April 28, 2011 There is something about The Acorn that just induces bliss. Perhaps it’s frontman Rolf Klausener’s comforting vocals and moving lyricism. Or perhaps it’s the intricate guitar work, courtesy of Klausener and Jordan Howard. Or perhaps it’s the loud, boisterous percussion from Patrick Johnson and Jeffrey Malecki. Combined, their sound […]
Lovely Killbots – Once Smitten
Band: Lovely Killbots Album: Once Smitten Shot of choice: Jack Daniels Lovely Killbots are set to release Once Smitten, a follow up to 2008’s Primrose Lane. The electro dance duo is made up of Lauralee Love (vocals, keys) and Ryan Beattie (drums, vocals), and what a killer duo they make. Lauralee’s vocals immediately grab the […]
The Cheap Speakers Release “Speak” Single and Hit the Road
Fresh off a big show on April 30th in hometown Toronto with Papermaps, The Cheap Speakers have released a new single – “Speak” – to take them on tour. The song features Brennan Gault’s powerful vocals with Natalia Manzocco adding lovely harmonies. The song is catchy power pop, with an energy that can be felt […]
No CDs at Toolshed CD Release but Buck 65 Shows Up Instead
Date of show: April 21, 2011 Welcome to the $5 Rap Show, which takes place every 5 weeks or so at Rancho Relaxo. On this evening, Toolshed headlined to celebrate their CD release for “The Lost.” Unfortunately, their CDs were tied up at the border and didn’t make it to the show. The guys made […]
Jess Hill – Orchard
Artist: Jess Hill Album: Orchard Vancouver’s Jess Hill has released Orchard, a follow up to her debut album Road, which was released in 2006. While Road mostly featured Hill on acoustic guitar accompanying her lovely vocals, Orchard showcases much more colourful arrangements. On this album, in addition to Hill on guitar, you’ll hear banjo, mandolin, […]
Born Ruffians Ends Say It Tour at The Opera House
Date of show: April 16, 2011 Born Ruffians packed The Opera House nicely to close out their yearlong Say It tour. Luke Lalonde fronts the band with his signature acrobatic vocals, full of unique ups and downs, but this is not to say that Lalonde doesn’t provide skilful guitar work to match his vocal talent. […]
Young Rival Rocks a Capacity Crowd at The Dakota Tavern
Date of show: April 14, 2011 Unsurprisingly, Young Rival packed The Dakota Tavern – in fact, the venue was at capacity with latecomers being turned away at the door. They haven’t played in Toronto since the fall and the band has just hit the one-year anniversary of their self-titled debut album. Certainly a reason to […]
These Electric Lives Raising Funds for UK Tour with Curling Bonspiel
In the fall of 2010, These Electric Lives earned the title of Indie Week winner and the privilege of headlining Indie Week Ireland. With a trip to Ireland in May, These Electric Lives are looking to spread their music across the UK, with stops in Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester and London. To fund for this […]

