The 1990s and early 2000s were a heady time for us all. It was the last time where radio ruled supreme, and as such, a band was made or broken whether they could get a coveted rotation slot on stations. This also was an interesting time for bands in North America, as what became popular in Canada due to Canadian Content requirements and what the United States pushed could sometimes make for a situation where an immensely popular band in Canada was scarcely heard of in the US. Case in point: Matthew Good Band, a group of British Columbians whose albums netted them 14 Juno nominations which include two wins for "Best Group" and "Best Rock Album" for Beautiful Midnight in 2000.
After inspiring a bunch of CJLO shows to turn toward the darkness, Metal March has officially wound to a close for yet another year. Now that Approachable April has begun, some of CJLO's heaviest shows are doing their best to reach out to the rest of the community, and lure unsuspecting victims listeners in through a cuddly rebranding initiative.
On Monday, March 27, The Courtneys, Monomyth, and Mouth Breather played a stacked show at Bar Le Ritz. All three bands have recently dropped new music, and played a mix of fresh tracks and old favourites. The Parc Extension bar was bustling with a warm and eager crowd for the three Canadian slacker pop bands.
Back at it here again with another concert review! Monday, March 20 welcomed Alestorm at the Corona Theater, and man was I excited to get my pirate mood on. Upon arriving, I checked at the back of the venue hoping to meet the band but, sadly, none of the members were there.
Once I managed to get inside, I ran for the front as fast as possible and secured my spot and land ho!
Crowds flooded into the Bell Centre on the evening of Saturday, March 18. As the beer flowed and the seats filled, the arena became wired with anticipation. Getting the crowd going indefinitely were the opening two acts: Susto, and the born to rock, Kaleo, who really know how to put on a show. The production value really excelled, sending vibrations into your bones. Icelandic born and bred, Kaleo offered unforgiving vocals and heart-pounding tracks, sending the crowd into frenzy, especially when it was time for “Way Down We Go.” Bravo, boys.
In just a blink of an eye, it’s over. You’d think with all the time I managed to save by listening to this single track, I would spend it on something much more constructive. But no, I want to hear it again.
YOU SUFFER BUT WHY?
Why? Good question. I wanted to see if the lyrics actually lined up with what Nik was actually yelling. Sounds more like “you-aghhh” to me.
Tune into Ashes to Ashes Tuesday, March 28th at 1pm to hear a live in-studio performance and interview with Montreal’s own Exit Someone! The husband-and-wife duo of June Moon (Forever) and Thom Gillies (Vesuvio Solo) released their debut EP Dry Your Eyes at the beginning of the year on Atelier Ciseaux Records.
Consumerism is defined as the “protection and promotion of the interests of the consumer,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Dan Parker is looking to show that it is maybe time to update the term.
On March 29th, the latest installment of Rap Battles for Social Justice, “Rap Battles Against Consumerism”, will take place at Le Belmont, at 8 p.m.
