New Brunswick-based woodwind quintet Ventus Machina is showing off the breadth of their musical influences with their latest offering, Roots. Containing selections from historical composers (Bach) modern Canadian legends (Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen), and strong original works that rework other arrangements, Roots is a quilt of the quintet’s own musical muses. It endeavours to show off that there is much more to this quintet than polished classical fare. Continue reading Ventus Machina Examines Their Musical Tree on ‘Roots’
All posts by Brandon Lorimer
‘Still The Water’ Wades Through Connection, Guilt, and the Sanctity of Hockey
Following a year on the international film festival circuit, Susan Rodgers’ first scripted feature film Still The Water is seeing a Canada and US release at the end of April. A sorrowful dig into the messy nature of small-town east coast life, this gorgeously crafted tale of Prince Edward Island makes a strong impact emotionally and visually. Following the ever-down-on-his-luck hockey player Jordie MacAulay, we are privy to his family’s pendulous spiral at Jordie’s return home and all of the old wounds that he brings with him. Continue reading ‘Still The Water’ Wades Through Connection, Guilt, and the Sanctity of Hockey
From Portugal to St. John’s – Nico Paulo Blooms from Fresh Roots On ‘Live at First Light’
The past year has been a time of change for all of us. Full of harrowing and discouraging moments, it has been hard for many to see new plans for their lives. But some changes, despite all the dread of 2020, still bloomed flowers—and that fact is poignantly present in the enchanting new work of Portuguese-born but recent Newfoundland resident Nico Paulo. Continue reading From Portugal to St. John’s – Nico Paulo Blooms from Fresh Roots On ‘Live at First Light’
Dance Movie’s ‘Containment’ is a Dynamic and Pensive Drive
After the first single release of “Charm & Circumstance”, we knew that Dance Movie was bringing a wealth of buzzing, lovelorn energy to their latest album Containment. But the Haligonian indie-rockers elevate this infectiously introspective mood to new heights with the full album. At the core of this release is a clear, yearning heart, but the pieces that orbit around it swing between reckless abandon and a deep malaise. Continue reading Dance Movie’s ‘Containment’ is a Dynamic and Pensive Drive
Emmet MacLellan is More Than ‘Fine’ on New Single
Walking into the East Coast music scene armed with comfort and style, Emmet MacLellan is injecting some fresh, poppy energy into indie-folk with their single “Fine.” Coming off the release of their song “Constant,” MacLellan is introducing themselves to the world and showing they have the chops to craft songs that stick. Fitting right into the Canadian indie zeitgeist, “Fine” is a confident offering from a musician just beginning to show what they’re capable of. Continue reading Emmet MacLellan is More Than ‘Fine’ on New Single