Magazine

Independent, provocative, now! The CJLO Magazine is the resource for features, reviews, and interviews. Established in 2004, and run by dedicated CJLO volunteers, the magazine covers the latest and best in local and international music, art, theatre, film, festivals, and more!


METAL MONDAY: 5 Amazing Metal Bands I Saw in Australia

Back in December, I took a trip to the land down under. I loved almost everything about Australia—the intensely hot weather, the accent, the creative cursing inserted into casual conversation. The only downside was the beer being twice as expensive. I spent most of my time in Melbourne, a city with wide-ranging arts scene. In many ways, it was like the Montreal of Australia. During my time in Melbourne, I was able to check out a handful of shows, where I fell in love with Australian’s heavy scene. Here are my picks of the best Australian metal bands that I saw live.

King Parrot


Concert Review: "This Isn’t About the Perfect Black T-Shirt" - Porches & Girl Ray @ Théâtre Plaza, Feb. 18, 2018

It seems to be my thing to go to concerts of bands that I’ve never heard of before. This has been my third time taking part in this tradition and by far it has been the best one. Going into this, I was really expecting lo-fi, chill indie vibe-y music that the crowd would sway back and forth too. I wasn’t wrong, but I was definitely missing a significant part of the concert.


Album Review: "The Moonlight Club" by The Moonlight Club

The Moonlight Club’s most recent effort, the self-titled full-length album, is their most consistent and cohesive work to date. Recorded over a nine-day period at Breakglass Studios with David Smith (Patrick Watson, Elephant Stone, Leif Vollebekk), the album showcases the band’s authentic blend of folk-rock and 80’s new wave. With tight, impressive drum work and guitar tones that Johnny Marr would be proud of, the Moonlight Club have created a strong, diverse album that takes the listener on a journey from energetic rock to sweeping balladry. 


Film Review: Black Panther (And Why You Should See It)

It’s finally here! Black Panther, the 18th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) run by Marvel Studios, focuses on the events that occurred after Captain America: Civil War, released in spring of 2016. Black Panther is not your typical MCU film, but it does revert back to MCU's last battle trope—and it looks amazing.

T’Challa returns to Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation that is hidden from the rest of the world. Upon his return he is crowned King, but not without the demons of his father’s reign lurking in the shadows waiting to be revealed.


Concert Review: "Blue faces for a night not so blue" - Brockhampton @ Corona, Feb. 6, 2018

Once I learned that Brockhampton was coming to Montreal, I instantly started listening to all of their four albums religiously.  I now believe that all of the 16-year-old boys in Montreal did the same.

Last Tuesday, Montreal’s rap enthusiast community had the great honor of welcoming the 15 members that form the American music group Brockhampton for a show of high-intensity at Corona Theater.

The band, created in 2015, is the brainchild of Texas-raised artist Kevin Abstract who, via a website specific for fans of Kanye West, formed a band designated to redefining the title “boy band” and creating music that imperatively mandates inclusivity and diversity.


Top 10 Films of 2017

The new year has just begun, and so I am planning a schedule of films to watch and re-watch in the new year. 2017 was packed with a wide range of films, from pulse-quickening horror to comedies with poignant social critiques. Christopher Nolan proved with his film Dunkirk that a natural filmic quality is still possible in a big budget film.


New Nostalgia: An Interview With Majid Jordan (With Full Audio!)

It’s always a nice surprise to hear that one of your favorite groups is coming to town. What can be even better? How about a phone conversation with them a day before they go on stage? This week, I had the privilege to speak with Majid Jordan, who were on their way to Montreal to perform the first show of their 2018 North American Tour. Here are the highlights from our 20 minute conversation.

Akeem: Welcome to Montreal. You guys have been here in the past, what do you look forward to when you get to Montreal?

Jordan: Just energy. Singing. Dancing. The crowd is incredible here. I always say one of the best crowds in the world


Top Metal Bands of 2017

 
At CJLO we realize it's always good to look forward rather than backwards, but we also realize that if we don't learn from the things we do, we are doomed to repeat them over and over. In light of these dueling facts, we want to shed light on the scope of music played at the station in 2017, so the Metal department compiled their tops of the year.
 

Concert Review: Majid Jordan @ MTELUS, Jan. 16, 2018

When I watch a Majid Jordan music video, I feel cozy—not the type of cozy that makes you want to crawl into bed, but the type that makes you want to crack open your finest bottle of wine, put on a mink coat, and snuggle with your significant other. I had the opportunity to speak with Majid Jordan before they hit the stage in Montreal, and even though they told me what to expect from the show and that their audio visual experience has been enhanced, I could not foresee the Blade Runner-esque dream state the duo would be able to create, and keep everyone in attendance drawn to.


Pink Cocoon Live Session & Interview

As some of you might know, Montreal rock station CHOM cancelled their show focusing on local talent Montreal Rocks on Dec 31, 2017. If you want to hear great local stuff, we at CJLO want you to know that we're here for you and are dedicated to bringing you the best Montreal has to offer.
 

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