Casa Lagarto – Shed It [EP Review]

Tags

2018, Arturo Portocarrero, band, Canada, Casa Lagarto, EP, EP Review, Group, Jason Barkhouse, Jon Schofield, Music, Music Video, Musicians, Ottawa, Review, Shed It, Travis Kinnear

Finally after being shrouded in mystery.
Ottawa’s Casa Lagarto has finally released their debut EP.
It is called Shred and it is filled with (as they call it) “mirage rock, cactus bop and turkey hop” music.
To me, it sounds like a dirty western rock.
The members consist of Travis Kinnear (Fire Antlers), Arturo Portocarrero, Jason Barkhouse and Jonny Schofield (Ex-The Yips).
Overall Shed It is a solid effort for the band to give them a kick in the scene.
Hope to hear more materials if they release a full-length in the coming months or next year.

Best tracks

• Lights Out
• Shed It
• Scarecrow

I’d give Shed It:
/ 10
The EP is available on all streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp and etc!

Spiritual Cramp – Mass Hysteria [EP Review]

Tags

2018, alternative, band, EP, EP Review, Group, indie, Mass Hysteria, Music, Musicians, punk, Review, Spiritual Cramp

A band that you need to look out for in 2018.
It is the San Francisco punk band Spiritual Cramp.
You got to love that band name.
Here is a description:
“The sounds borrow from the past, echoes of late 70’s / early 80’s working class rock and punk, which function on the upbeat, showcasing very bright guitars yet generating darker vocal rhythms and darker patterning.”
Their debut EP is Mass Hysteria.
As mention in the description, it four tracks of that music.
Play it very loud and enjoy it!

Best tracks: All MY Friends Are Out Tonight (Alright), Tenderloin and Wrecking Machine.
I’d give the EP:
/10

Telecomo – For Sale [Review]

Tags

2017, Adam Saikaley, alternative, band, Canada, EP, EP Review, Gary Franks, Group, indie, Music, Musicians, Ottawa, Pat Johnson, Review, Rock, Telecomo

It’s been a year since Ottawa’s Telecomo came out in the scene with their EP “Promo EP”.
Here is a description of the band:
Telecomo is a new three-piece garage rock outfit from Canada.
The group is high energy and the music is earnest.
Each song comes in quick bursts and with a beguiling melodic depth.
Trading metaphors for direct action, Adam Saikaley (Vocals, Guitar) brings a message of sincerity. Backed by longtime friends and collaborators Pat Johnson (Drums) and Gary Franks (Bass), Telecomo is succinct and eager.
Those that weren’t aware, the album was recorded, mastered and mixed by Jonathan Schenke.
He has worked with such acts like Parquet Courts, The Drums, Liturgy, PC Worship, The Men, Dirty Beaches, Frankie Rose and Girl Talk.
Which can explain it has that New York City gritty garage rock vibe to it.
10 tracks (3 from Promo EP got re-recorded) of high energetic garage-grungey rock music with some raw intense lyrics.
Gets you into a rocking dancing mood during the summer time.
Best tracks:

• • Long Gone

• • I Met You

• • Boom

• • No Answer

• • Bike

I’d give For Sale:
/10

Khodara – Billie [EP Review]

Tags

2017, American, artist, Billie, EP, EP Review, indie, Khodara, Music, Musician, pop, Review, singer, USA

EP cover of Billie

I was enthralled by Khodara when I first heard the leading single Billie from the EP of the same name which drops on March 17, 2017.
For those not familiar, she is from New York City and has one EP under her belt that was released in 2016 called Where’s Your Love.
On Billie, the songs are a range from soulful pop to retro 80s new wave pop sound.
She has the vocals of Cults’ Madeline Follin, Lykke Li, Madonna and Phantogram all into one!
She is one of those musicians that makes you really enjoy the music than what is being played on the radio.
Best tracks:

• Billie
• Anxious

I’d give Billie:
/10 Camera flashes!

Stars – Sad Robots [Review]

Tags

2008, Album, Amy Millan, band, Canada, Chris Seligman, EP, EP Review, Evan Cranley, Group, Montreal, Music, Musicians, Pat McGee, Review, Sad Robots, Stars, Torquil Campbell

After seeing Stars play the second night in Ottawa
Which I didn’t regret.
Purchased the tour only EP called Sad Robots which is also out on iTunes for those that couldn’t see them live.
After various times to listening to Sad Robots, I absolutely love it.
I know they have changed their style on In Our Bedroom After The War.
But it just has that theme of sad and loneliness on Sad Robots.
Maintenance Hall, 4 AM is the typical intro but its very sad and lovely at the same time.
A Thread Cut With A Carving Knife is what I call a epic song.
Undertow is very brooding dark with the synth keyboards and the lovely voice of Amy Millan.
Going, Going, Gone (Live Version) I find sounds alot better than Nightsongs. Probably on Nightsongs it sounds like Emily Haines sang it.
14 Forever is the only upbeat song but if you listen carefully on the lyrics. It does have that dark side to it. The song just reminisce of what it felt like being 14.
Sad Robot is the interesting track since Amy sings in French.

What makes Stars great is the dynamic chemistry with Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan.
I can’t think of any band that has male and female singing equal parts or telling it like a story.

I love every track on the album despite what critics say.
Go get it on iTunes or on the Sad Robots site

I’d give Sad Robots:
/ 10