Smokey - Bleak Heritage
I once described Smokey as sounding like a “railroad worker on a mushroom trip,” and reductive though that may be, there’s something about the combination of his choice of subject matter—coyotes, religion, unemployment, death—that paints a decidedly midwestern gothic picture. And yet it’s tinged with an almost spiritual quality, something ethereal that lingers, prodding you to remind you that not everything is as simple as it seems.
King of Foxes - Hall of Shame
As soon as the album kicks off, the titular track which lyrically jumps into the contradictions and spirals of self-consciousness as the track switches from a soft guitar instrumental to a full pop punk arrangement getting things really going. The intensity of this track shows off what King of Foxes is about in this album with its midwestern pop punk sensibilities and expressive intensity.
Tebby & The Heavy - Heavy Afternoon
The toughest part about starting this review is the syntax. Is it Tebby & The Heavy? Tebby And The Heavy? Depending what website you’re looking at, or what artwork, both options can be found. One of life’s mysteries, I suppose. I have a fondness for a nice “&” so I will stick with that. Regardless of what you call them, the Edmonton three-piece’s debut full-length Heavy Afternoon, needs no such deliberation - the album just straight up rips.
Overdrive II Oblivion - Red Shift Tape Vol. 1
The first 24 seconds of side one of Red Shift Tape Vol. 1, the first tape from Overdrive II Oblivion, leaves an impression. For those 24 seconds, there is nothing but bass. At 0:01, the track begins abruptly with a bassline that is filthy dirty. It feels like the track starts in the middle of an idea. It’s heavy. Like, HEAVY. Heavy and rough. Jagged and uneven. Imperfect. It’s relentless and tone-setting. It’s 24 seconds and it feels like forever. Every second of it is rustic and beautiful.
Epic & Deadly Stare - A library called Calder
Epic isn’t an outsider artist. Neither is Deadly Stare. They are insider artists. Hip-Hop historians. Rap superfans. A library called Calder is a love letter to hip-hop, a love letter to Canada, and a great example of artists creating art based on their love of art.
Sled Island Edition: Cassia Hardy - In Relation
Rare are the records where a whole community went into making them, rarer even are artists who they go lengths to honour that work and influence behind-the-scenes. In Relation by Cassia Hardy is one such record, stemming from a devoted songwriter who invests all of herself to making explicit what this all means by way of sticking to her ethical and political commitments.
Scenic Route to Alaska - Lasts Forever
Josiah Snell writes about Scenic Route to Alaska’s new record Lasts Forever, a record that “balances its melancholy and hope with an easy confidence”.
The Mothercraft
Over the four songs found on this EP, The Mothercraft deliver heavy riffs over a thunderous rhythm section while peppering solos that call for bedroom air guitar antics.
The Wet Secrets
The return of the Wet Secrets helps fill a void for danceable, punchy, pop music in Canada.
Faith Healer
Jessica Jalbert’s second outing as Faith Healer moves past the 60's psych of Cosmic Troubles to expand into 70’s rock territory.
Sister Ray
Vocals and guitar are the only instruments you’ll hear on this album and that’s all that’s needed to turn a casual listen into an obsession. Coyes’ voice is utterly captivating as it trembles with intensity and raw power over simple guitar