This extremely late post is my fault. Who decided to put the "Save post" button so close to the "Pulish post" buttom? Anyhow, enjoy!
Last night I was able to catch Sonic's most recent band of the month for October, Zerbin. The band is made up of 5 members and took to the stage at about 11pm. Even though it was a Wednesday, I thought that the Pawnshop would eventually fill out as it usually does when the night carries on. This time however the venue stayed relatively..."spacious". Only the front of the stage had audience memebrs, while the back only had the empty booths and bartenders hanging around.
The band was actually good live. I didn't mean for that to come out as condescening, but...it did.... And that's only because there's no other way to put it; I like their radio single quite a bit, but thought that that would be it. For me they were reminiscient of Coldplay, while my concert buddy thought they were borderline Snow Patrol-clones. For me it's hard to say I really like a band when I can so easily compare them to others. Even though they did in fact play a really good set, and the singer, Jason Zerbin (yup, you guessed it, the band is named after him), has a great vocal range, I just didn't "feel" anything. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing them or listening to their album once more for a clearer idea, but I just wasn't drawn into it as much as I have been with other local acts. But then again my concert buddy just near fell in love when he saw them perform, so between the two of us there was no middle ground. Make your own decision! Since the band is homegrown they play around the city quite often. Right now they just set off for the Eastern side of the country, but I would definitely suggest checking them out when they set their sights back home!
Showing posts with label Band of the Month. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Band of the Month. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Cygnets, not Swans
A band that formed less than two years ago is making a splash on the Edmonton music scene. The Cygnets sound, made up of Logan Turner, Dan Snow and Chris Bruce immediately brings to mind the Brit-synth-pop of the 80's (think Depeche Mode). I try not to compare artists in my head, but this one brings that unique sound back to a new life.
As part of the deal with being Sonic's Band of the Month (I might as well start calling Sonic by what it is...), Cygnets not only gets to play a showcase at the Pawn Shop on Whyte Ave at the end of the month (April 29th), but also gets one of their songs featured on the radio station. This band's gem is of course Bleak Decades. On Sonic you might catch the voice of lead singer Logan Turner say that the band is "both modern and retro at the same time". I just about called BS on that until I actually listen to their CD. I had picked up their album last month from Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and hadn't really listened to it or given much thought to it until I heard they would be BotM. It was great to be able to bring home an album for absolutely no cost, and it being an LP (full length and then some, at 13 songs) not an EP made it that much sweeter. Being automatically and seriously excited for their show I decided to do a little research.
Their music video for Bleak Decades must have been filmed in a underground garage/parkade and looks like it was almost shot with a professional video camera (and more importantly, someone who knew how to work a great camera). The vid shows much of the Southside of Edmonton, with a few random shots of a city that I'm almost positive can't be Edmonton (I think I can judge after 20 years). That didn't sit well with me, when there are quite a few gorgeous places to shoot in the area, but the speed-up city shots interspersed with frames of the band playing, defintiely makes me think about a Brit-Pop-esque style once again, and forget that this band was even from Alberta.
Another music video, this one for Hey Alexandra! was done in 80's styles: bright colours, obscure posters lining the walls, closeups of keyboards and an almost foggy camera screen.
video fro sycophant girls is 100% black and white, and made up entirely of split screen and separate camera sequences.
Can I just add how impressed I am that the band even has so many videos already? For a local band I feel like this is a great feat, considering, for the most part, I only see 2-3 maximum.
- i hope they play their instruments as intensely as they tease with their videos
Don't forget to get a chance to experience the vocals, crisp guitar and flowing synth during their live show at the Pawn Shop on April 29th.
In the meantime, before you rush out to grab a copy of their CD, Bleak Anthems, (not sure, but hoping it's still available free of charge for you lovely guys and gals), and take in the glory of the power of the keyboard take a snoop on youtube. Start with what I believe is their own page, and creep on from there! Or if you're looking for a chance to hear a taste of what you could have in store for you at the Pawn Shop look no further than their Band of the Month Sonic Session.
NB: More of a internet-based-bookworm? Get your read on right here:
As part of the deal with being Sonic's Band of the Month (I might as well start calling Sonic by what it is...), Cygnets not only gets to play a showcase at the Pawn Shop on Whyte Ave at the end of the month (April 29th), but also gets one of their songs featured on the radio station. This band's gem is of course Bleak Decades. On Sonic you might catch the voice of lead singer Logan Turner say that the band is "both modern and retro at the same time". I just about called BS on that until I actually listen to their CD. I had picked up their album last month from Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and hadn't really listened to it or given much thought to it until I heard they would be BotM. It was great to be able to bring home an album for absolutely no cost, and it being an LP (full length and then some, at 13 songs) not an EP made it that much sweeter. Being automatically and seriously excited for their show I decided to do a little research.
Their music video for Bleak Decades must have been filmed in a underground garage/parkade and looks like it was almost shot with a professional video camera (and more importantly, someone who knew how to work a great camera). The vid shows much of the Southside of Edmonton, with a few random shots of a city that I'm almost positive can't be Edmonton (I think I can judge after 20 years). That didn't sit well with me, when there are quite a few gorgeous places to shoot in the area, but the speed-up city shots interspersed with frames of the band playing, defintiely makes me think about a Brit-Pop-esque style once again, and forget that this band was even from Alberta.
Another music video, this one for Hey Alexandra! was done in 80's styles: bright colours, obscure posters lining the walls, closeups of keyboards and an almost foggy camera screen.
video fro sycophant girls is 100% black and white, and made up entirely of split screen and separate camera sequences.
Can I just add how impressed I am that the band even has so many videos already? For a local band I feel like this is a great feat, considering, for the most part, I only see 2-3 maximum.
- i hope they play their instruments as intensely as they tease with their videos
Don't forget to get a chance to experience the vocals, crisp guitar and flowing synth during their live show at the Pawn Shop on April 29th.
In the meantime, before you rush out to grab a copy of their CD, Bleak Anthems, (not sure, but hoping it's still available free of charge for you lovely guys and gals), and take in the glory of the power of the keyboard take a snoop on youtube. Start with what I believe is their own page, and creep on from there! Or if you're looking for a chance to hear a taste of what you could have in store for you at the Pawn Shop look no further than their Band of the Month Sonic Session.
NB: More of a internet-based-bookworm? Get your read on right here:
- Cygnets to be unleashed on Edmonton - Edmonton Sun
- Edmonton musicians give away their music for free - Edmonton Journal
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
White Hot Lightning
Each month that same local radio station, Sonic, has something they call band-of-the-month. This is where they feature a local band's single on the radio for the entire month, ending with a show at a local bar at the end of the month.
Band of the month for Nov 2010, was White Lightning. Unfortunately I missed their performace, fortunately I have the best secret squirrels always looking out for my best concert-going interests.
On Thursday night I was told that WL would be playing at the Starlite Room with two other bands. A friend is friends with the bassist; being on the guest list? Check. Not having to pay for a membership, cover, or ticket? Check. Souvenir kazoo? You can definitely check that.
The Friday night show was actually in support of another local band, Tupelo Honey, and their CD realease. There were the two opening bands in additon to Tupelo Honey, WL and a 5 piece "dance" band from right here in the city as well. Except...well...this band, Flash Jam, is not ...well....there's just no words that suffice. To me they are 5 guys, who play their instruments decently and don't sound like dying cats when they sing. Their songs however are pop-ey messes, and their set was made up of a couple of original songs mixed with not so great covers of overheard songs (i.e. one by Michelle Branch). I have no problem with covers, and sometimes they can even outwit the original...These covers by Flash Jam, however, were the same as the original (except with the pizzaz of a male singer. OH, and a synthesizer of course). I've never been so happy for a band's set to be over.
And salt in the musical wound, was to find out that this band had actually beat White Lightning in a battle-of-the-bands style contest.
White Lightning played an intense show, complete with audience participation by the aforementioned kazoos. But before that let me quickly mention that the band is made of up three fellas who know their music (and the lead singers wife on back-up vocals). Their music is energetic and animated; the lead vocalist, Steve, makes some of the best faces I've seen on a performer.
They include cowbell (not enough on this night for my liking...) in basically every show, and the kazoos? Well during their last song they have a bucket (really, a bucket) full of kazoos that they hurl out into the audience. Oh, I forgot, beware of falling objects...sheild your eyes, most importantly. I'm not totally sure that I was even "playing" it right, you just hum into it, but it definitely added a fun atmosphere to the set!
Unfortunately I had to leave early, so only got to hear one Tupelo Honey song...which was a Cher cover...I've heard they're really good, and have opened for quite a few major bands in the past few years. Hopefully there's always next time!
Band of the month for Nov 2010, was White Lightning. Unfortunately I missed their performace, fortunately I have the best secret squirrels always looking out for my best concert-going interests.
On Thursday night I was told that WL would be playing at the Starlite Room with two other bands. A friend is friends with the bassist; being on the guest list? Check. Not having to pay for a membership, cover, or ticket? Check. Souvenir kazoo? You can definitely check that.
The Friday night show was actually in support of another local band, Tupelo Honey, and their CD realease. There were the two opening bands in additon to Tupelo Honey, WL and a 5 piece "dance" band from right here in the city as well. Except...well...this band, Flash Jam, is not ...well....there's just no words that suffice. To me they are 5 guys, who play their instruments decently and don't sound like dying cats when they sing. Their songs however are pop-ey messes, and their set was made up of a couple of original songs mixed with not so great covers of overheard songs (i.e. one by Michelle Branch). I have no problem with covers, and sometimes they can even outwit the original...These covers by Flash Jam, however, were the same as the original (except with the pizzaz of a male singer. OH, and a synthesizer of course). I've never been so happy for a band's set to be over.
And salt in the musical wound, was to find out that this band had actually beat White Lightning in a battle-of-the-bands style contest.
White Lightning played an intense show, complete with audience participation by the aforementioned kazoos. But before that let me quickly mention that the band is made of up three fellas who know their music (and the lead singers wife on back-up vocals). Their music is energetic and animated; the lead vocalist, Steve, makes some of the best faces I've seen on a performer.
They include cowbell (not enough on this night for my liking...) in basically every show, and the kazoos? Well during their last song they have a bucket (really, a bucket) full of kazoos that they hurl out into the audience. Oh, I forgot, beware of falling objects...sheild your eyes, most importantly. I'm not totally sure that I was even "playing" it right, you just hum into it, but it definitely added a fun atmosphere to the set!
Unfortunately I had to leave early, so only got to hear one Tupelo Honey song...which was a Cher cover...I've heard they're really good, and have opened for quite a few major bands in the past few years. Hopefully there's always next time!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
My dear, Michael Rault
This is one artist that is finally getting the recognition he deserves! Michael Rault, all the way from...right here in Edmonton, has just signed a deal with Sony Records. I've been hooked on this fella coming up on 5 years now.
He's just a bit older than me, and from the rumour I had heard when I was introduced to him was that he actually dropped out of high school, on the verge of finishing grade 12, to focus on his music. Now most would think...Are you serious? Every kid dreams of doing that, but really, dropping out during your last year?!
Well however it happened, it was definitely worth it. He had started out as Michael Rault & the Mixed Signals, the "mixed signals" being not just one backing band or instruments, but a collaboration of Rault's friends etc that would play with him, interchangeably. It made for a unique sound. But this time around Michael Rault has decided to go solo.
This piece, "Let me Go Out" was recorded at the ..."Phonics" studio a few days ago and is from Rault's latest album entitled "Ma-Me-O". It's tough to get your hands on, but if you happen to live in Edmonton, check out Blackbyrd Myoozik (either buy album, or get happy from it's name, preferably both).
It's amazing to see a local act starting to get appreciated. He recently finished a tour, or segment of one I'm not sure, opening for Bedouin Soundclash. They played in the city during the end of November, which was the first time after a few years that I'd even heard Rault's name (the only way to get his music before was either directly from him, or Myspace). Sadly, but in a good way, the concert was sold out! Hopefully this new record deal means a lot more from this newbie. He has one of the most unique voices, which has definitely developed over the years.
I can't wait to see what his career has in store for him, and for lucky us!
He's just a bit older than me, and from the rumour I had heard when I was introduced to him was that he actually dropped out of high school, on the verge of finishing grade 12, to focus on his music. Now most would think...Are you serious? Every kid dreams of doing that, but really, dropping out during your last year?!
Well however it happened, it was definitely worth it. He had started out as Michael Rault & the Mixed Signals, the "mixed signals" being not just one backing band or instruments, but a collaboration of Rault's friends etc that would play with him, interchangeably. It made for a unique sound. But this time around Michael Rault has decided to go solo.
This piece, "Let me Go Out" was recorded at the ..."Phonics" studio a few days ago and is from Rault's latest album entitled "Ma-Me-O". It's tough to get your hands on, but if you happen to live in Edmonton, check out Blackbyrd Myoozik (either buy album, or get happy from it's name, preferably both).
It's amazing to see a local act starting to get appreciated. He recently finished a tour, or segment of one I'm not sure, opening for Bedouin Soundclash. They played in the city during the end of November, which was the first time after a few years that I'd even heard Rault's name (the only way to get his music before was either directly from him, or Myspace). Sadly, but in a good way, the concert was sold out! Hopefully this new record deal means a lot more from this newbie. He has one of the most unique voices, which has definitely developed over the years.
I can't wait to see what his career has in store for him, and for lucky us!
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