This debut solo EP from Winnipeg ex-pat Brandy Zdan is a lovely little demonstration of both Zdan’s songwriting ability and her musical chops. As one half of the Juno nominated duo Twilight Hotel, the quality of Lone Hunter comes as no surprise. But the six song disc shows a different side of Zdan than her previous work, and displays her unique songwriting voice well. Continue reading “Brandy Zdan – Lone Hunter”
Kanye West – Yeezus
At the time of this writing, much has already been said of Kanye West’s sixth studio album, Yeezus. Critics marveled at its “dark and sonically experimental” presentation. Writers celebrated its “minimalist” aesthetic and nods to early-00s Southern trap and mid-80s Chicago acid house. Some even construed its songwriting as social commentary while admiring West’s narcissism as a sort of ironic self-reflexivity. Continue reading “Kanye West – Yeezus”
Electric Soul :: Brings Winnipeg Second Paradise
by Broose Tulloch
Summer’s just begun and Electric Soul is already planning for the end of it, for that’s when they unveil their sophomore disc, Second Paradise. The prog-influence quartette features Ed Durocher (guitar, vocals), Dave Guenette (keyboards, vocals), Joey DeCosse (Drums), and Chris Tuscherer.
Stylus caught up with Ed Durocher and Dave Guenette to discuss the new album, weddings, and band names. Continue reading “Electric Soul :: Brings Winnipeg Second Paradise”
Weekender 09/05 – 09/08
The school year is back in full swing, so it’s time to once again celebrate that elusive pot of gold at the end of the weekly rainbow: The Weekend! Continue reading “Weekender 09/05 – 09/08”
Barrence Whitfield & the Savages – Dig Thy Savage Soul
Barrence Whitfield & the Savages are a balls-to-the-wall, whisky and wine soaked rockin’ motherfuckin’ blues band. Typical of most Bloodshot releases, these guys are the real fuckin’ deal, and they pull no punches in delivering classic, raw American music. Whitfield’s growl has seen hard times and harder times, but he does not give two fucks when he’s telling you some honest to God truths on “Bread,” “My Baby Didn’t Come Home,” or “I’m Sad About It.” Continue reading “Barrence Whitfield & the Savages – Dig Thy Savage Soul”
Jane’s Party – Hot Noise
Toronto’s Jane’s Party know exactly how to write a catchy indie pop/rock song, however they seem to be stuck using precisely the same formula for every song to achieve said catchiness. Continue reading “Jane’s Party – Hot Noise”
Jesse Boykins III – Zulu Guru
An album laden with the kind of lush atmosphere typically found on one of those Ibiza chillout records, Zulu Guru’s potential to lull you into a trance-like state of enlightenment is marred by jagged rhymes and hey-girl-style soul vocals. Continue reading “Jesse Boykins III – Zulu Guru”
CKUW Celebrates 50 years on the air!
by Victoria King, photo from the CKUW archives, circa mid-80s.
More often than not, we’re mistaken for a secret study space. People wander up our flamboyant yellow stairs, hoping to find repose and peace amidst a sea of textbooks and cell phones. Instead they stumble upon a den of music geeks, activists, anarchists, journalist-types, etc. There are posters on the walls, stickers attached to almost every surface, and odd pieces of nostalgia that have been propped up on bookshelves and cabinets (see the Hillary Clinton nutcracker above Program Director Robin Eriksson’s desk, for one example). This attic-like sanctum is home to CKUW, 95.9 FM; that campus-community beast on your radio dial, smack-dab in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Continue reading “CKUW Celebrates 50 years on the air!”
The Postal Service – Give Up (deluxe reissue)
Here we are provided a prime example of Simon Reynold’s thesis to Retromania: a reissue of an album by a band with only one album to their name, released only ten years earlier. Continue reading “The Postal Service – Give Up (deluxe reissue)”
Astral – Forever After
Right out of the gate, Astral sounds like the early 90s The Cure that got really angry. Continue reading “Astral – Forever After”