Winnipeg music & culture since 1989
by Chris Bryson
Two tracks juxtaposed with equal time to expand within the aural space of the mind. Idle it’s called, but idle it’s not. Slow Spirit’s follow-up EP to last year’s Unnatured finds the band returning with all the elements of their sound more finely tuned than ever, showcasing once again their knack for cohesive sonic diversity, while still pulling at emotions every note along the way. Continue reading “EP Review :: Slow Spirit :: Idle”
by Chris Bryson
The second EP from the Heather Thomas led project finds ATLAAS’ dreamy R&B and soul-infused electro-pop with sharpened songwriting, bigger hooks and broader dynamics. Continue reading “Album Review :: ATLAAS :: ATLAAS”
by Chris Bryson
Not many bands can make music that moves with such elegance, ease, and bounce as TOPS. Surely this is no easy feat, as the band has been honing their formula over the course of three albums, plus another in progress. Last year’s Sugar at the Gate, TOPS’ third full-length, found the band pushing their soft indie rock a la mellow disco-funk into a further refined breezy luster. Continue reading “TOPS :: Elegance and ease”
by Chris Bryson
Over four years after the release of their Every Kind of Light EP, Vampires return with Nature Laughs, a refined development of their sound that furthers the duo’s fuzzed-out emotive thrust. Continue reading “Vampires :: Nature Laughs”
Words and photos by Zoe Lebrun
Yes Fest is all about bringing obscure, up-and-coming bands of various genres into the spotlight. This was accomplished in spades this year at the first official festival put on by Yes Wave Promotions. The festival took place over three days at various venues in Winnipeg and featured fourteen bands from all across Canada. While it was not without its hiccups, the festival was still a smashing success, and Yes Wave promoters have big dreams for the festival in the coming years. Continue reading “YES FEST 001 – FESTIVAL RECAP”
Photo by Chelsea Neufeld
Words by Chris Bryson
Winnipeg alt pop trio Veneer have a new single that’s perfect for soothing spirits. It comes in anticipation of a self-titled EP to be released later this year along with a Western Canada tour in July. Continue reading “Track Premiere : Veneer : Unsure”
by Zoë LeBrun
Originally hailing from Ottawa, Peach Kelli Pop is a LA-based band that specializes in beachy punk music filled with loud guitars and infectious melodies that captivate the heart and soul. Founded by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Allie Hanlon, the band has made waves not only in Canada and the US, but overseas as well, particularly in Tokyo, Japan, where the band has toured many times. Continue reading “Peach Kelli Pop”
By Chris Bryson
Roman Clarke is on to something. With the release of his debut EP, Looking For Mine, he’s fashioned a markedly signature sound. As one third of The Middle Coast, Clarke is no newcomer to the local scene. Looking For Mine feels fully formed, ready for the world to hear. Continue reading “Roman Clarke :: Looking For Mine”
by Chris Bryson
After years playing in bands like Slow Spirit, Odana, Somebody Language and under his own name, Brady Allard’s newest project, Warming, lives up to its own name. Allard will be playing his first show as Warming at the Handsome Daughter on February 17th. The first single from Warming’s eponymous debut album, “White Lies”, was released on January 23rd in anticipation of the show. Continue reading “Warming”
by Kaitlyn Emslie Farrell
Birthday Tapes have announced their second compilation album appropriately titled Birthday Wishes Vol. 2. Featuring Seventeen artists, many of whom are local, Birthday Wishes Vol. 2 provides a wide range of steady pop and shoegaze. This is a mellow album, there’s no way around that. So if you’re looking for something to pump you up, try another route. If you’re looking for a soothing array of blended melodies, electronic tones, and whispered vocals, then slap this in your tape deck. Continue reading “Birthday Tapes :: Birthday Wishes Vol. 2 :: Review”