review – Stylus Magazine

October 11, 2024November 2, 2024

EP Review:: Ritchot Textiles :: i

by Daniel Kussy

Built out of the ashes of Abbotsford post-punk quartet Blessed comes Ritchot Textiles, the latest project from longtime collaborators Drew Riekman, Mitchell Trainor and Reuben Houweling. Their first release as a group, i is born out of love for droning synthesizers and loaded sequencers, all while crafting a minimalist yet rich pairing of industrial electronic and krautrock. It’s not at all surprising to know that it was created entirely using only analogue equipment.

July 23, 2024July 21, 2024

EP Review :: Prairie :: Prairie (demos)

Band members sit in a field of praire grass staring either into the distance or with eyes closed in either early spring or late fall with a smattering of snow on the ground.

By Mykhailo Vil’yamson

It’s not often that one is privileged to hear demo recordings as a band’s first release, as so much of the “music industry” remains built on making public only the most curated versions of an artist’s material. But there’s something alluring about being able to hear the earliest incarnation of a group – before the stratification, calcifying and polishing of fully-produced albums. It’s reminiscent of bygone days when musician friends would share cassettes with each other of the latest songs they wrote, asking: “What do you think of this?” As for this collection, I’d say: “Sounds bloody brilliant! Can’t wait to hear what’s next.”

January 2, 2024October 13, 2023

Album Review :: Only a Visitor :: Decay

by Jakob Sheppard

I was fortunate enough to ask Robyn of Only a Visitor a few questions about their newest full-length LP, Decay, an indie pop album with “themes of the passage of time, connection, memory, and the possibility of regeneration that is inherent in the process of decay.”

December 5, 2023October 13, 2023

EP Review :: Merin :: Merin – EP

by Bradi Breckman

Local alt-rock band Merin released their third EP this past August, and I had the pleasure of giving it a thorough listen. Full of pop-culture references and galactic metaphors, this album is the soundtrack to an epic space adventure — even referencing the classic sci-fi film Dune in the opening track, “Fear is the Mind Killer, Nerd.”

July 4, 2023June 25, 2023

Concert Review :: Winnipeg Folk Fest :: TEKE::TEKE

*Content from last Summer!*

by Myles Tiessen

TEKE::TEKE took to the Big Bluestem stage after a long and hot day in Birds Hill Provincial Park at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Heat exhaustion and dehydration were taking hold of the crowd, and engagement was low. But, as the band launched into the first song of the buzzy and feedback-heavy set, a wave of jubilation washed over attendees and everyone was locked into the mesmerizing talent of TEKE::TEKE.

June 25, 2023June 25, 2023

Album Review :: Nickybaby :: Nickybaby

by Jakob Sheppard

Nickybaby’s self titled album was a very intriguing listen. It has elements of folk and indie rock that combine to form one of my favourite indie releases of the year so far. It has almost deceptively good production, meaning that it sounds very rough, but that lack of fidelity only aids in conveying the theme of the record.

June 9, 2023May 25, 2023

Review :: Love You to Death

by Paul Newsom

The Park Theatre is not quite packed as Love You to Death’s first film begins, yet the venue feels no less alive for that fact.

January 2, 2019

Album Review :: Satanic Rights :: Blues Druid

by Ryan Sorensen

Blues Druid is the debut LP from Satanic Rights, a lo-fi, garage/punk rock band from Winnipeg. Released by the indie Transistor 66 Records, the album follows up on the heels of their 2015 self-titled EP release. After three years, I am happy to say this collection of songs was a devilishly good time, and well worth the wait. Continue reading “Album Review :: Satanic Rights :: Blues Druid”

December 3, 2018

Track Review :: Anthony OKS “TBA”

by Nigel Webber

Anthony OKS has achieved certified banger status with “TBA.” OKS, a member of long running Winnipeg hip-hop group the Lytics, has a new single from his solo project that features his brother and fellow Lytic, Andrew O. The beat for “TBA,” produced by Paalsh, is driven by a pulsing bass guitar riff, allowing OKS’ vocals to reinforce the urge to head nod. Continue reading “Track Review :: Anthony OKS “TBA””

October 23, 2018

EP Review :: Lev Snowe :: Faded Blue

by Kaelen Bell

One of the most affecting scenes in last year’s critical darling Call Me by Your Name is of a heartsick lover, waiting and awash in blue. The scene follows in the footsteps of Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Maggie Nelson’s Bluets – art that recognizes the cathartics and heartsick mysteries of blue. Add Lev Snowe’s Faded Blue to the list. Continue reading “EP Review :: Lev Snowe :: Faded Blue”