Music Reviews

REVIEW - O Body by Po Lazarus

April 17 2017 // Sarah Boumedda // Magazine // Music Reviews

It’s being talked about everywhere at CJLO—our very own On Rotation rock band Po Lazarus is launching their brand new EP, O Body, on April 19, only months after the release of their debut album this past fall. Curious about the sound of the record? Wondering what to expect at the band’s live album launch, this Wednesday at the Quai des Brumes? I’ve got you covered—here’s a quick, simple, effective review of the EP (and why you should definitely check it out) by yours truly.

REVIEW & INTERVIEW - The Source by Ayreon

April 17 2017 // Phil Aveline // Magazine // Music Reviews

After long-awaited anticipation for the new Ayreon record The Source, I am happy to say that this new album brings in a lot to the table from previous Ayreon records and blends them all together.

Shifting from The Gentle Storm, the man behind Ayreon, Arjen Anthony Lucassen took a different approach with this record, going more sci-fi than romantic in genre. He knew that he had to make another exciting adventure.

Vinyl Review: Shake Shook Shaken by The Dø

March 30 2017 // Alyosha Nowlin // Magazine // Music Reviews

Album: Shake Shook Shaken

Artist: The Dø

Year: 2014

Label: Cinq 7

Tested On: Grado Black – Realistic Lab 400 – Luxman R-1050 – Dynaco A-25

Vinyl Review: Another Eternity by Purity Ring

March 22 2017 // Alyosha Nowlin // Magazine // Music Reviews

Album: Another Eternity

Artist: Purity Ring

Year: 2015

Label: Last Gang

Tested On: Grado Black – Realistic Lab 400 – Luxman R-1050 – Dynaco A-25

NEW RELEASE: Punk Shadows by Blood and Glass

March 21 2017 // Sarah Boumedda // Magazine // Music Reviews

There's just something about Montreal duo Blood and Glass' music—something eclectic and entrancing, something that flawlessly brings together a wide variety of sounds into one song. That sound is omnipresent, now more than ever, in the group's brand new album Punk Shadows that drops today.

Review: Ritual Master - Obscurus

March 19 2017 // Sean Zumbusch // Magazine // Music Reviews

It’s a rare occasion that I decide to review a recent album, but this year’s Metal March at CJLO has proven to be such a time. As such, I have decided to take a look at an EP released earlier this year by Montreal locals Ritual Master, entitled Obscurus. I’m a real sucker for metal albums that use Old English font on their covers, so this one piqued my interest from the get-go.

Review: The Real McKenzies - Two Devils Will Talk

March 11 2017 // Matthew Coyte // Magazine // Music Reviews

“F*** the Real McKenzies!”

Not many groups can simultaneously be as kickass and self-deprecating—all while maintaining such a sense of humour that feels lacking in today’s age of far-too-serious punk—as the Real McKenzies.

One of Canada’s most iconic punk bands returns with their next offering to their already impressive catalog. The Real McKenzies kicked off 2017 with the release of Two Devils Will Talk, an album that continues their trend of Atlantic-infused Celtic punk. From the moment the bagpipes start playing, Two Devils works to reaffirms the ongoing legend status of the group.

Vinyl Review - Mississippi Fred McDowell Vol. 2

March 9 2017 // Alyosha Nowlin // Magazine // Music Reviews

Album: Mississippi Fred McDowell Vol. 2

Artist: Fred McDowell

Year: 1966 (2016 re-issue)

Label: Arhoolie

Tested On: Grado Black – Realistic LAB 400 – Luxman R-1050 – Dynaco A-25

Vinyl Review - Intents and Purposes by The Bill Dixon Orchestra

March 2 2017 // Alyosha Nowlin // Magazine // Music Reviews

Album: Intents and Purposes: New Sounds for the Music of Tomorrow

Artist: The Bill Dixon Orchestra

Year: 1967 (2016 re-issue)

Label: Superior Viaduct

Strange Froots - Blossom This Froot for Thought EP Review

February 26 2017 // Rachelle Barrett // Magazine // Music Reviews

Montreal R&B outfit Strange Froots, composed of members Naïka Champaïgne (a.k.a. DragonFroot), Mags Mbow (a.k.a PassionFroot), and Sage Stewart-La Bonte (a.k.a StarFroot) have been making serious waves on the local music scene and beyond with their unique collaborative sound.

The Submissives - Do You Really Love Me?

September 7 2016 // Fredy M. Iuni // Magazine // Music Reviews

Do You Really Love Me? is the latest release by Montreal's The Submissives, a project led by bedroom producer Deb Edison, who writes and produces these love yearning songs. The album has a DIY sensibility and aesthetic; a Sunday bedroom rock at work. The album strolls through a collection of 15 songs inspired by early rock 'n' roll, elements of surf and garage rock with themes dedicated to relationships, hopeless romantics, and heartbreak, but mostly just heartbreak.

Solids - Else EP

May 12 2016 // Fredy M. Iuni // Magazine // Music Reviews

Dine Alone Records 2016

One of the great pleasures of listening to Solids' four-track EP, Else, is the wave of noise and distortion that washes over you created by the pounding drums, thumping bass, and distorted guitars. And, unlike the breakneck speed of their debut LP Blame Confusion, Else seems to show the Montreal duo of Xavier Germain-Poitras and Louis Guillemette taking their time and allowing for both the songs and listeners to breathe.

Killswitch Engage - Incarnate

March 21 2016 // Orin Loft // Magazine // Music Reviews

Metalcore by design

Killswitch, Killswitch, Killswitch. What happened to you guys? Being one of the bands back in the early '00s to captivate the mind of a young (all be it much longer haired) Orin, I have a bit of a bone to pick with this latest entry.

Metal Monday - Top 10 Albums of 2016 So Far

March 7 2016 // Philliam // Magazine // Music Reviews

DJ Philliam from Turn On The Darkness (Tuesdays 2 PM) narrows down his picks for the top 10 albums of 2016 (so far!) for this edition of Metal Monday.

 

10. Varg - Das Ende aller Lügen. Was not really expecting this at all. This album blew me away, knowing that this blends elements of modern metal/Viking death metal and Metalcore? Yeah you heard me right! Lots of catchy and head bangin' tunes in this album. It's definitely worth a listen.

CTZNSHP - All Things To The Sea

April 27 2015 // Fredy M. Iuni // Magazine // Music Reviews

All Things To The Sea, the sophomore album by Montreal's CTZNSHP, is chock-full of large sounding, arena-filling music. When discussing the scale of sound, the word "big" can feel like an understatement. The LP is produced by Jace Lasek, who has also worked with Wolf Parade, Young Galaxy, and Besnard Lakes. The album resonates with new wave and post punk sounds and aesthetics, the likes of which will have you hearing the influences of The Smiths and Joy Division.

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