Blue Control Love A Rondo

Instrumental music is hit and miss compared to songs with lyrics. I sometimes find myself disconnected with some of the instrumental music due to the lack of memorable grips and no lyrics to guide me through the tune. Other times, it can be the best kind of music as I dig it until my ears get all red after wearing a headphone the flamboyant music can speak for itself. 

Lehigh Valley, PA based instrumental duo, Blue Control is definitely the latter. Consisting of the pianist, Lea Cho and guitarist, Russ Warehouse, the duo speak their language through the keys. Banging on the piano and maneuvering resonant guitar riffs,  Blue Control take control of experimental jazz infused music in their latest release, Valley Tangents via Drag City. 

The first single off the album, Love A Rondo is in my playlist right now. The metronome tik-tak rhythm climbs up and down the synth ladder. Then the cheeky piano solo joins the melodic march, walking through the intriguing music notes. The dancer in a mask in the video also enhances each verse with his stalker dance moves. 

Blue Control is in town today to showcase their electrifying tune at the Shop at Parts & Labour

Sydney Wayser at the Supermarket on July 25th, 2012

Despite the terrible weather outside, thunderstorms and all, New York singer songwriter, Sydney Wayser lifted the air up with her  jubilant performance at the Supermarket on July 25th, 2012.

Shyly appearing on the stage with her fellas, the French-American songstress commenced crafting her jazz-infused beats filled with pop grips on her keyboard from her latest record, Bell Choir Coast. The uneasiness ceased from her face immediately after. She swayed herself  side to side with decorative vocal flourishing with the harmonies of the three piece on the stage. Her supporting band members, consisted of a guitarist and drummer, both created the chain of flawless verses, which coalesced in the middle with their minimal effort. 

To close the night, Wayser performed uplifting pop tune, Dream it up, which brightened up the air to the ceiling with boisterous tune, while jumping up and down. The audience at last started tapping and grooving the alluring tune simultaneously. I just wished that the stage wasn't occupied with all the tables and chairs up front. If it wasn't, it definitely had have created a hop step and jump right up at the front. 

Matt Paxton: Factory Town

When it comes to folk singer songwriters, the first thing that I think of is the simmering melodie of the stroking acoustic guitar jam. However, Hamilton singer songwriter, Matt Paxton, has broke out from the traditional notion of the genre with his synth mechanics, which leads him in a different direction from others on the same ground. 

His latest single, Factory Town, which is set to be released next Tuesday, July 31st via Other Songs Music Co. The synth beats coherent with smoothing harmonies and his soft whispering voice intrigues the listeners with the unique dynamics of three components. You can give a listen to the single below. 

Clara Engel, Lovebird's Throat

Toronto singer songwriter Clara Engel has the voice of a dark angel.- While the plaintive melodies of each song vibrates in the deep air, her resonant vocal sprawls with sorrow and darkend lyrics, which is more poetic story telling than just a meaningless word. Her latest release, Lovebird's Throat epitomizes the profound feelings behind her stories. Four tracks transmit intense emotion as the song sgradually proceed to the end. No matter what feeling it associates with sorrow, hope, fear, the emotive tale brings the listener to the deepest. You can give a listen to two of the sogns off the EP from her bandcamp site. 

Engel is currently working on a new album release which is scheduled to be unleashed in 2013. You can help her fund the album via Kapipal. 

to collapse in the fire isn't worth the pain 
she'll come and put me together again 
every time i cut off your head 
you grow another 


lovebirds mauled your hand 
when you reached into their cage 
tell me, what have you learned? 
the same fire fuels love and rage 
or some other sad cliche 


bloody roots of a flowering sky 
you can fry my third eye 
with your fingers of flame 
touch me, and dissolve my mind 
blue cascade of sound 
a simple bell 
the sea's singing bones 
your bloodied hand rests still 
upon the lovebird's throat

New Hands:Tulips

Do you remember Hamilton based electro rock band, New Hands? They've recently been featured in Southern Souls, which was produced by Mitch Fillion and captures live performances of local artists. I've been fond of his project for the last few years as he naturally grasps the live performance so transparently that I feel as if a band in the video were performing in front of me in my backyard.    

This performance captures two tracks- their first single off their debut album, Tulips and another tune off the album, Whichever Way You'll Have,  This video gives the listener the ability to see through the lenses of the camera. Tulip kicks off with galvanizing synth beats with dulcet electro tunes. Once the luring beats started repeating in the head while toe-topping with the tune, the deep voice of Spence Newell jumps in the mingle of rhythmic beats. Gradually escalated its tune to the chorus, the emotive shout leaves a scar with impulsing hooks. I feel like I am totally missing out the fact that I haven't seen these guys in live by watching this video. 

You can download the copy of this song, Tulip via their bandcamp site. 

Tulips
I told you it’s not easy, this movement can change you 
Packages and poisons picked say that you are leaving 
Scared that growth is bad for him, thinks it will estrange us 
So like someone always says, we just need to focus 


Take me to my first school dance, show me your apartment 
Shake your head and hold my hand, say I’m still important 
Make a name just as we land, all the papers calling 
This idea could have been, but we never focused 


Say you’re upset that I’m leaving 
Don’t ever compare me with him 


Leave me don’t say you’ll carry me home 


I wanted him to remind me of you 
I wanted you to love what we’d become 
Don’t tell me lying wasn’t the best course 
It was an ugly thing that kept you from leaving 


Leave me don’t say you’ll carry me home

Modernboys Moderngirls : Let's Do It

It seems like no one can stop the momentum of Toronto rock band, Modernboys Moderngirls. They have escalated to top speed with the recent release of their debut album, Let's Do It  after a number of appearances at music festivals, including CMW and NXNE in the recent months. The compilation of 10 garage rock tracks deploy their enthusiasm and their dynamic melodic hooks. This album has cultivated my curiosity over their sounds and I've enjoyed listening to the album from head to toe, while countless captivating verses remained in my head. No doubt that this album will pump up the adrenaline with their 70's reminiscent rock n roll tunes.   


Starting off the album with their first single off the album, How Am I Gonna Get It?, which is a fist-pumping rock tune. Easily recognizing fierce guitar slap and impulsive harmonies during the chorus, it definitely triggers stuck tune syndrome from the very first listen. Their stellar music video was directed by Vulture Culture Films. Give it listen. You can also listen to their album via bandcamp site.





Modernboys Moderngirls will be performing at the Silver Dollar on Saturday July 28th.

Organos-Concha

It is very interesting to see where each of my blog post takes me to. - Some posts bring me a surprise response from the artists that I write about, spreading the post to their fans. Others create a bridge over to another connection of artists that I haven't heard of. This one was the latter case.

The recent post of AroarA's new release brought me to this stellar music, which took my breath away with their aesthetic tunes. Organos’ sophomore effort, Concha. Organos is a solo project of North Carolina based singer songwriter, Maria Albani. After over a decade of playing out of the spotlight as a bassist in several bands, Albani at last initiated her new project by herself in 2010. She strives to achieve the natural process of music crafting and embracing anything that occurs in the process.

One of the songs off the album, Side Girl was remixed by AroarA. Now you can see the chain of events, right? This remix captures the hook of the song with enhanced synth beats. I've replayed it so many times at work today. My neighbor probably heard me tapping my toes along with the rhythmic beats.

Albani's friendship with Broken Social Scene's Andrew Whiteman started when she first moved to Toronto for a while, which also brought her a number of connections for this album release. Julian Brown of Apostle of Hustle joined her in Lit Up Rooms and the music video of Same Eyes was crafted by New York visual artist, Jerstin Crosby. It looks like I'm not the only one who is attracted by her musicianship. 

Enticed by various percussion including handclaps and bells, the compilation of eight songs reminded me of Buddhist chanting as both build up the momentum of the songs quietly and gradually, however, they leave a significant impression. Albani's husky vocal and peculiar yet captivating bass line pull me into her world and hit me deep down. I really hope that she will make her way back to Toronto to showcase her new album with her fellow musicians. You can check out on her music on Bandcamp site. 

Stuck Tune Syndrome: The XX- Angels

It's been almost three years since the British pop rock band, The XX swept a number of listeners away with stupefying melodic masterpieces enclosed in their self-titled debut album. With a few band structure changes and a countless live acts, the band is now ready to release their second album, Coexist on September 11th ( Click here to check out their preorder)

As a sneak-peek, the XX have unveiled their first single off the album, Angels, today. As the waves on the video move, the soft voice of Romy Madley Croft cohesively echos. The best story tellers are usually among singer songwriters. They quilt seams of melody lines with various tones and let the keys speak for themselves in their own ways within a short period of time. From the first listen, I was surely withdrawn into its beautiful tune and the intimate vocals. Yet, my attention was lured towards its lyrics, which I pictured a girl who discovered a love with someone, yet trying to find a means to express her feeling shyly. Nontheless, this tune is pretty xx-celent. So give it a listen! 

ANGELS

LIGHT REFLECTS FROM YOUR SHADOW
IT IS MORE THAN I THOUGHT COULD EXIST
YOU MOVE THROUGH THE ROOM
LIKE BREATHING WAS EASY
IF SOMEONE BELIEVED ME

THEY WOULD BE
AS IN LOVE WITH YOU AS I AM
THEY WOULD BE
AS IN LOVE WITH YOU AS I AM
THEY WOULD BE
IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

AND EVERYDAY
I AM LEARNING ABOUT YOU
THE THINGS THAT NO ONE ELSE SEES
AND THE END COMES TOO SOON
LIKE DREAMING OF ANGELS
AND LEAVING WITHOUT THEM
AND LEAVING WITHOUT THEM

BEING
AS IN LOVE WITH YOU AS I AM
BEING
AS IN LOVE WITH YOU AS I AM
BEING
AS IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

AND WITH WORDS UNSPOKEN
A SILENT DEVOTION
I KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN
AND THE END IS UNKNOWN
BUT I THINK I’M READY
AS LONG AS YOU’RE WITH ME

BEING
AS IN LOVE WITH YOU AS I AM
BEING
AS IN LOVE WITH YOU AS I AM
BEING
AS IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Iceage at Horseshoe Tavern on July 18th

You can never underestimate the energy of the teenagers. Danish punk rock band, Iceage fueled themselves full of anger and anxiety just like other teens. However, they express it through their punk tunes which infused different genres including hardcore rock, goth and post punk to name a few. The Danish quartet has been in the spotlight since the release of their debut album, New Brigade. This album has received countless sweeping praise such as Pitchfolk, who gave 8.4 and ranked the album as one of the best new music. 

I cannot forget to mention their wild live performance. They are known to rip the venue off with clamorous guitar jams and sweaty performance. You folks are in treat. Iceage is stopping by in Toronto in the midst of their North American tour on this Wednesday, July 18th at the Horseshoe Tavern. Nothing is better than spending a scorching summer night with boisterous punk band! 

Check out a video of You're Blessed off the album New Brigade. 

MUTEMATH announced the New North American fall tour

I almost fell off my chair when I found out that New Orleans rock band, Mutemath are finally retuning to Toronto on September 25th at the Phoenix for their upcoming fall tour. The quartet last played in the city 3 years ago at the last Virgin Mobile Music Festival in Toronto in 2009. I recall giving them a standing ovation after witnessing their mind- blowing performance. I even flew to New York to attend their final date for Armistice tour the following November.

Since then things have drastically shifted for the band. The departure of the former guitarist Greg Hill seemed to bring the rest of the members to have a stronger bond and jumped off the edge of their boundary, which led to their third album, Odd Soul. This third album is the most edgy and creative effort that the trio has put together. I am so stoked to hear songs off the album at the show.

Unfortunately, the presale for the Toronto show has already sold out. However, you can still grab your tickets on July 20th from 10a.m. Make sure to get yours ASAP as I am anticipating it to be a sold out show.

Stuck Tune Syndrome: A Classic Education, "Spin Me Round"

I've been a heavy Shazam user since I got my iPhone last year. The ability to search the details of a song on the go is one of the most useful applications that were invented. I've shazamed a number of songs in the past at bars, cafes or record stores, but this tag stayed very special over the weekend.

It was just another day, trying to find out what the song was while indulging myself with some tasty cocktails at Drake hotel on Friday night. A folk infused smooth melody suddenly dropped in my ear and I was dying to find out who it was.  It turned out the song was called Spin Me Round by Italian band, A Classic Education.

I further looked into about the band, the lead singer and guitarist, Jonathan Clancy is hailed from the Canunk land and went to a university in Italy, where he formed the band with his Italian pals, Luca Mazzieri and Paul Pieretto. Their mesmerizing psychedelic folk, and Brit indie pop sounds have been already captured by a number of music critics such as Spin Magazine last effort, Call it Blazing. Thank you Shazam for introducing me to another awesome band!  

AroarA In the Pines

My favorite Broken Social Scene' member, Andrew Whiteman has teamed up with Arial Engel for a new project, AroarA since 2011. At last, the Montreal art duo has launched some new material on their newly established site this week.

They just unleashed three songs off the new album, In the Pines as a preview. (The release date is soon to be announced)  The initial song,  #4 reminds me of a tribal music enhanced with Engels distinctive husky voice. #5, on the other hand, is a peaceful tune, which cast a tide of melodic waves. #11 hits with electronic beats, still omitting the sense of tribal music. I am just so psyched to learn AroarA has finally moved forward with the upcoming release. These three songs excite me more and more about the upcoming release. 

AroarA also announced that they would be opening for Dirty Three for Pop Montreal this year. I hope to hear about their Toronto show very soon! 

Grounders: Along The Line

Emerging Toronto pop band, Grounders have already been on the radar of a number of media outlets,  including Snob's Music, MuchMusic and The Lonely Vagabond. The five-piece broke the 'ground' of Toronto indie pop scene with their new single, Along The Line/ Crown Land.

The intro starts off with two big beats as if it broke the door to the following sherzando melody crafted by the fetching synth beats and high pitch vocal. Their unique sound grabbed my attention immediately from the first listen. Then, It tickles my curiosity over their sounds to see what this experimental indie pop group is capable of. There are only two songs available online. However, you can listen to more songs at their shows. The next show is on July 26th  Silver Dollar. You can expect me to join you if you are going to be there. 

Ben Caplan Launches Pledgemusic Campaign For Music Video

This guy seriously never stops. Halfax singer songwriter, Ben Caplan has been continually galvanizing the audience with his charismatic stage performance. Kicking off his tour last year with his latest album release, In the Time of the Great Remembering, Caplan has toured in Canada, the states and Europe. He will again return to the European continent in the fall including, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and the UK.

In addition to the tour, he is going to make a music video of 'Conduit' in 3D. Yes, you heard me right, in 3D!  In order to fiance the video, he has launched a campaign to raise $2,500. The video is scheduled to be taped in August at Cuppa Coffee Studios in Toronto. If you would like to participate in this fun project, click here to find out more details.

Live Show Review: Five Alarm Funk

As self acclaimed as "Champion of the party", Vancouver based orchestra funk band, Five Alarm Funk showed Toronto Audience how to party on July 5th at the Rivoli with DJ Farbsie Funk. 

9 men gradually all showed up on the stage and occupied the very tiny stage with a bunch of instruments, including one drum set, bongos and a percussion set. They blasted the hell out of their funk tunes from their latest record, Rock The Sky. Wash Your Face, the classic funk tune with alluring chorus of "I am gonna wash your face!!!", energized the audience from the very beginning. The lead singer, Tayo Branston, shouted with his gypsy voice, smashing his drum sets in the middle of the stage. The percussionist, Justin Kennedy and bongo player, Tom Towers showcased their creative synchronized dance calligraphy. All the string players and wind instrument players were swinging with the beats.  The Iron Pegasus, which infused metal rock and funk together with stellar guitar solo. It totally blew my mind and I was so happy to listen to this song live. 

"Hips don't Lie"- In fact, I didn't really care how ridiculously I was dancing with their buoyant instrumental tunes. I am not gonna lie. I haven't had this much fun at the show any time recently. My hats are off to you guys. 

Mak: Stab Me

I’ve been listening to the self-titled new album, by Montreal based rock band, Mak since last week, which I wanna share with you folks today.

Mak has stirred their Jazz infused sound seamlessly into other genres, such as electro pop, spawning such a hybrid of ambiant melodies. 

It is a piece of cake to grasp their Jazz influence in their sounds, including the initial song, If She's Got a Habit, which the minimal whisper of the lead vocal, Jesse Mac Cormack, navigates through the diving guitar riff and rhythmical beats. The intro guitar riff of Cause to Effect is definitely my favorite sound in the album, which lingers in my ears and leads it to a quiet, yet progressing melody. This song is a reminiscent of Radiohead. I also enjoy the quailing sound of sliding acoustic guitar in Stone. The first single off of the album, Stab Me, completely changes the tone of the album.  Out-shined in the striking synth beats, Mak showcases their broad music capability in this song. You can listen to the full album from their Bandcamp page.

Stab Me

Two sides to the living proof
two sides to the living truth
wish I could burn your skin
waiting for you stab me
waiting to act
your skin
take it in
It can’t be left away
but my sins have never seen a better day

waiting for you to stab me