In Alpha Zones, the new sophomore effort from AA Wallace, brings to mind a favourable, if controversial, comparison to Falco, had he been raised in rural Nova Scotia, and composed all of his music in his bedroom. It seems an unkind thing to say, but let’s remember the 80’s were some time ago. They seemed a great idea at the time. A few decades of perspective have shown they’ve actually given us much to be thankful for. Strip away the shoulder-pads of time, and reimagine what synth pop might have become had it not been engulfed in big haired theatrics. Continue reading New Music: AA Wallace’s ‘In Alpha Zones’
New Music: Hillsburn’s ‘In The Battle Years’
In The Battle Years, the first LP from Hillsburn, opens harmonies blazing with a burst of energy. The Halifax quintet sounds like a stomp and holler choir grafted to a horn section filtered through folk-pop, falling somewhere between New Americana and Deep Canadian Indie. Which is to say, they cover a lot of ground. This eclectic collection of deftly narrated songs will keep you on your toes in two ways: there’s no way to anticipate what’s coming next and you’re bound to find yourself tapping along incessantly. Continue reading New Music: Hillsburn’s ‘In The Battle Years’
Grimross: Science With Stephen
Amidst the bustling storefront of Grimross Brewing Co. in Fredericton where patrons are quietly enjoying a pint, their stools scraping and glasses clinking over the murmur of conversation, Stephen Dixon’s eyes dance. He is quietly and very animatedly expounding upon the functions of yeasts, lactic acids, and adjuncts, and the characteristics they create in craft beer. This is not a riveting conversation for the uninitiated, but the passion with which Dixon explains it is engrossing enough to make anyone a microbiology nerd for a few minutes. Continue reading Grimross: Science With Stephen
New Music: Wintersleep’s ‘The Great Detachment’
This week Wintersleep’s newest and sixth album, ‘The Great Detachment’ will see the light of day. Their first album since 2012’s ‘Hello Hum’, but more importantly almost nine years since ‘Welcome To The Night Sky’, it’s an opportunity to escape the long shadow of their ‘Weighty Ghost’ (not to mention their former manager) and they stand a good chance with ‘Amerika’. Continue reading New Music: Wintersleep’s ‘The Great Detachment’
Art Jam: Afternoon Delight Won’t Happen This Year
Today the organizers behind the Afternoon Delight music & arts festival made the announcement that the event won’t be happening this year. Continue reading Art Jam: Afternoon Delight Won’t Happen This Year