CD Review: The Junction – Another Link In the Chain

The Junction - Another Link In The Chain By: Sheena Lyonnais
September 29, 2009

In a 2007 interview with TMS, Junction vocalist/guitarist Brent Jackson stated, “I don’t really like hearing a band writing the same record over and over.”  It appears two years later the man has stayed true to his word.  The Junction’s sophomore release Another Link In the Chain shows the band further developing their smooth indie rock and perhaps finally finding their niche.  

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TIFF’s Canadian Music Cafe flaunts Canada’s talent

Toronto Film Festival TIFF Music Cafe 2009 By: Sheena Lyonnais
Sept. 29, 2009

The Toronto International Film Festival’s Canadian Music Café is a rare and exciting opportunity that allows Canadian bands/artists to play short sets to a panel of North American music supervisors responsible for getting music in television shows, commercials and movies.

While industry events don’t normally warrant reviews, this one is a different story.  In three short days I was able to catch amazing sets from a number of Canadian bands (and I wasn’t even able to attend the entire event).  And while they may have been playing in hopes of landing some sweet contract, I was just hoping to discover some new music for myself.  Here’s a review of the acts I was able to see:

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Win tickets to see She Wants Revenge

Win Tickets to She Wants Revenge
Win Tickets to She Wants Revenge
 
Win a set of 2 tickets to see She Wants Revenge, Kill Hannah and The Tender Box at The Phoenix September 28, 2009. All you need to do is be the first person to correctly answer one of two questions correctly:
1) What are the names of the members of She Wants Revenge?
or
2) What is the name of their newest EP?
Send your answer to contests@torontomusicscene.ca
Winner will be announced by September 27.  Good luck.

Show Review: The Killers and Wolfmother at Molson Amphitheatre

The Killers play Toronto By: Erin Fahy
September 16, 2009

Since I first spun “Somebody told Me,” I have always had the Killers on my playlist.  However, circumstances (aka money and scheduling) have prevented me from seeing them live, until now. I scored some lawn seats for the September 6 gig at Molson Amphitheatre (Thank you Craigslist!) expecting a good show. What I got was my whole world turned upside down and shaken like a bully shaking a kid for change. 

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CD Review: Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters – The Spirit Ranch Sessions

Diana Catherine and The Thursty Tweeters By: Sheena Lyonnais
September 15, 2009
 
Every woman has a little bit of country in her, which is why I am grateful for Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters debut album The Spirit Ranch Sessions.  She harbours the female integrity of Shania Twain, but with a folkier, bluegrass feel and less pent up poppy sexuality.  Recorded in Florida and produced by Bud Snyder (The Allman Brothers) and drummer Matt Blackie, the Spirit Ranch Sessions grabs harmonicas and charm by the horns and tosses them in a paddock with some old school blues influences and Stevie Nicks’ storytelling.

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CD Review: Paisley Jura – Time In Between

Paisley Jura Time In Between By: TJ Liebgott
September 15, 2009 

Paisley Jura’s debut album Time In Between is the kind of album you would listen to while trying to find solace in a bad breakup.  With seven-tracks of hauntingly melancholic piano and down home acoustic guitars, Time In Between is a self reflective journey into the life and times of Paisley Jura.  Working with film/tv composer and University of Toronto professor Robert Carli, Time In Between blurs the lines between the classically trained and contemporary pop music.  Tracks like "Forgotten Ones" and "Sweetness" sparkle on the EP, while folk/country song "Sweetness" stylistically sways from the rest of the album.  Fans of a poetic female voice overtop beautiful acoustic instruments will definitely find a companion in Paisley Jura.  

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CD Review: Megan Hamilton – See Your Midnight Breath in the Shipyard

Megan Hamilton CD Review By: Sheena Lyonnais
September 15, 2009

 Megan Hamilton’s third release See Your Midnight Breath in the Shipyard is another indication of this brilliant musician’s transition from songwriter into true performer.  The smooth indie folk pop captures a new level of strength and professionalism on this release, pushing her more into the direction of stardom.  Its nautical theme is beautifully sifted through tranquil tracks capturing the sonics of ships lost at sea.

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CD Review: Darlings of Chelsea – The Mimico Sessions

Darlings of Chelsea The Mimico Sessions By: Sheena Lyonnais
September 15, 2009
 
There’s nothing I like more than loud, invasive, solid Toronto rock’n’roll.  Darlings of Chelsea have released six badass tracks destined for blown speakers across the nation.  Their debut The Mimico Sessions combines an intense fervor and passion for music with the shredding and lyrics of professionals down the vein of Los Angeles sleaze meets New York grime. 

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CD Review: Dan Kosub – Reservoir

Dan Kosub CD Review By: Sheena Lyonnais
September 15, 2009
 
Dan Kosub’s debut album Reservoir is a sleepy record that pulls its power from wispy guitars and story-telling vocals rather than big sounds and songs.  It was a year in the making, but at times it still sounds a little too shy, like a reservoir of reservation. I’m all for this singer/songwriter style of simple guitars and soothing vocals, but Kosub’s version needs more oomph.  

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