FOREIGN TRADE: CJLO and Radio K

MINNESOTA

ROBUST WORLDS - "Best Wishes"
"Best Wishes" comes off the debut release from Chris Rose called "Emotional Planet". Out on De Stijl Records based in Minneapolis, Robust Worlds meld folk instrumentation with waves of sonic joy. De Stijl Records page

TOTAL TRASH - "Eye Candy Girl" 
This screecher of a track lasts only 52 seconds, and it doesn't waste any time. This band isn't afraid to tear open your eardrums Deliberate, thrashing guitar work and powerful female vocals make this band one of Minneapolis' best in the punk scene. Bandcamp

WIPING OUT THOUSANDS - "Feed" 
Sporting the largest synthesizer tones in Minneapolis, the duo of Wiping out Thousands create a roar that is simultaneously apocalyptic and totally danceable; it's like if Basement Jaxx got in to futurism. "Feed", from their debut full-length "This Came First", perfectly represents their juxtaposition of Alaine Dickman's sinister voice crammed right next to colossal buzzsaw synths. INSTUDIO SESSION

PONY TRASH - "Submarine" 
One of the many Twin Cities supergroups, Pony Trash contains members of The Chambermaids, Poliça, Private Dancer, and Gospel Gossip and create intricate melodies with searing guitarwork. "Submarine" is out as the debut Old Blackberry Way release on the Pony Trash EP. Tumblr

DARK DARK DARK - "How It Went Down"
Dark Dark Dark are rightfully one of the most high-profile groups from the Twin Cities. Now in its sixth year of existence, the group has featured a slew of some of the most competent musicians in the area, and has always been led by Nona Marie's confident and graceful vocal abilities. Their third full-length, "Who Needs Who", perfectly showcases the type of compositions that make this quintet as warm and inviting as a blanket by a fireplace during a Minnesota winter. INSTUDIO SESSION

CRIMES - "Gold In Your Eyes"
This Minneapolis quartet don't just prove that reverb-rock is alive and well but that a solid melody can go a long way, especially with plenty of vocal harmonies and golden guitar tones for good measure. The group describes their album "Good Hope" as "serious road-trip music", and this blissful gem invites the listener to roll the windows down and let their hair blow in the breeze. INSTUDIO SESSION

BOLLYWOOD - "Hyoking"
This trio's style has been described as "scuzzy gutter-electro", which accurately decpits the gritty buzz that is their foundation. Urban decay is a recurring theme in Bollywood's music and in their aesthetic, as represented by the "Bollywood flag" composed of cigarettes and their signature stage prop of CRT televisions displaying only static. INSTUDIO SESSION

WILLIAM WITHIN - "Gone For A Drive"
This young quintet recently self-released its self-titled debut album as a group after previously having been the solo project of singer and songwriter Alex Simpson. The album is laden with unique guitar tunings, occasionally elaborate song structures, and as demonstrated on this track, intricate drum patterns with brushes. INSTUDIO SESSION

NALLO - "Gin"
Nallo focuses on the simpler things in life and invites you along for the slow ride. This lo-fi four piece balance clear, honest vocals with cavernous reverb in "Gin," out on "Mechano and the Trees" released in July of 2012. You can see the band performing live in studio K here.

GLOSS - "Front Porch"
This is the debut single from the Twin Cities quintet. Blending dream pop and catchy drum hooks with an underbelly of shoegaze influences, Gloss is able to write catchy riffs and tight melodies without sounding contrived. These youngins have already shared the stage with Minneapolis heroes BNLX. Bandcamp 

MONTREAL

USA OUT OF VIETNAM - "Leg Of Lamb"
Former Doughoys and Bionic frontman Jonathan Cummins has put together a new band of almost orchestral art-metal with prog elements and a pop senibility buried underneath the dense layers of sound.  Their debut 2xLP will be released in early 2013, it's something fierce.
https://www.facebook.com/usaoutofvietnam
http://usaoutofvietnam.bandcamp.com/

COCO ET CO - "State of Radio"
Subtly layered indie pop with keys, drum machine, guitar, and softly sung vocals are the backbone for this  Montreal via Halifax & Hamilton duo.  Very reminiscent to elements of Pinback and Low with their own unique spin on carefully crafted pop soings.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coco-et-Co/144695632213507?fref=ts
http://cocoetco.bandcamp.com/

DIG IT UP - "Move My Way"
Raucous road tested punk rawk like a shot of adrenaline that gets everyone shouting along and bouncing around.  Having already toured extensively across the east coast of Canada and the USA with the likes of None More Black and the Sainte Catherines, the quintet is putting the finishing touches on their forthcoming full length recorded with Jon Drew (Fucked Up, Career Suicide) and Marc-Andre Beaudet (Sainte-Catherines).
https://www.facebook.com/digitupmtl
http://digitup.bandcamp.com/

ECHO BEACH - "Drywall"
Layered analog synth loops and processed vocals work together in a dreamlike haze and kaleidoscope live visuals only enhance the experience.  Making a name for herself in the Montreal and NYC DIY artspace scenes, Echo Beach recently performed at Pop Montreal and M for Montreal, and is currently booking West Coast and European tours
https://www.facebook.com/echobeachsounds
http://echobeach.bandcamp.com/

YOUNG LUNGS - "Attack of the Montana Red"
Energetic garage rock with sophisticated songwriting and a post-punk edge, this trio of young dapper dudes are quickly making a name for themselves after self-releasing their debut 7" for Blood on the Streets this past May when they played Pouzza Fest and have already made trips to Eastern Quebec and NYC.  They've since completeled a full length that was recorded in The Oven @ CJLO and has been mastered by Jon Drew (Fucked Up, Tokyo Police Club) and should hopefully see the light of day sometime next year.
https://www.facebook.com/YoungLungsMtl
http://younglungs.bandcamp.com/

C T Z N S H P - "On a Roll"
Jittery fuzz-pop trio C T Z N S H P just opened for Yamantaka//Sonic Titan and A Place to Bury Strangers at M for Montreal. "On a Roll" is from their Swan Dive EP and will also be featured on their forthcoming debut full length Doom Love.  They're quickly making a name for themselves around town with their brand of early 80s influenced post-punk.
https://www.facebook.com/ctznshp
http://citizenship.bandcamp.com/

REVERSING FALLS - "Is This Thing On?"
Mechanical drum machine beats provide the backbone to crunchy guitars and anthemic pop hooks for this Montreal power trio.  They punch out scrappy poppy post-punk tunes that sound like a bizarre combination of Big Black and the Pixies.  
http://www.facebook.com/reversingfalls
http://reversingfalls.bandcamp.com/