October 23rd, 2013
Upon listening to the Black Bags self-titled CD, one is struck by a couple of key features. Firstly, Liz Solo is still at the top of her game and continues to be the premier female rock vocalist in NL. 20 plus years and going strong. Secondly, Retro-Rules, the early/mid 1990’s in this case, and thirdly, Marcel Levandier’s development as the yin to Liz’s Yang as a lead vocalist.
The disc opens strong. “Kelowna Rocks” dives at you like a spirited invitation with Liz displaying Chrissie Hynde, Johnette Napolitano verve on lead vocal, followed by an invigorating lead from Marcel on “Worth Living” buffed by tasty back-up vocals.
“Raining Hammers” is an album hilight and shows off the band’s punk roots with a clink of the glass to early influence, Mike Wade, the song’s author.
Tracks 4-7 favorably harken back to classic Concrete Blonde, Buffalo Tom, and Lou Reed. “Held Down” with biting rhythm and lyrics, reeking of frustration and stress, “Secret” is beautiful and timeless in quality and “Horizon” rivals Tragically Hip for intensity while exhibiting more punk roots.
“Everything is Leaking” has a R.E.M. vibe, and “Lost and Learning”, the album’s closer, is a gorgeous, reflective dirge.
Recorded and mixed expertly by Jony Richardson and Grant King- one of 2013’s best NL releases.
Now available on LP!
October 22nd, 2013
Local Singer/Songwriter releases her first album, Memories That Last. Features musicians Clint Curtis and Steve Clarke on backing vocals and instruments.
October 22nd, 2013
Judy Brazil’s latest release of Traditional Newfoundland songs. Kevin Collins plays many supporting instruments on the album, and Ray Walsh plays the accordion on select tracks. Also includes two tracks featuring her daughter, Stephanie Brazil. Not to be missed!
October 22nd, 2013
Masterless Men front man, John Curran, releases his newest solo album, Unconditional.
October 22nd, 2013
First release from this new, local trio – Lady Brett Ashley. Members are: Darhen Sing, Allie Duff, and Heather Nolan. Check it out!
October 12th, 2013
New to St. John’s, The Combine have gained a fan base and significant experience in Stephenville. Playing together for over three years, they’ve developed a distinct and rare prog-metal sound.
Mastodon, Kyuss, and Protest the Hero are some of the intense influences on these metal lovers. Supreme produced, there is a crystal-clear distinction between instrumentation and vocals, an essential element to their appeal.
In the midst of all the heavy complex metal are tasteful sections of musical white space followed by explosions of guitar-shredding. These boys know what a breakdown means and how to use it.
Intense and interesting, truly talented.
October 12th, 2013
Auspicious debut from Newfoundland singer/songwriter. Recorded in Halifax, will appeal to fans of Ruth Moody, Kelly Willis, and slightly edgy alt-country chanteuses.
Danielle possesses a compelling voice – a mix of sweetness and bar-stool attitude.
‘Little Seeds’ is an invitation to discover this emerging talent – very impressive.
October 10th, 2013
1. Petit Forte Boys – Larry Foley
2. Liverpool Lou – Colleen Power
3. The Black Velvet Band – Tom Nemec
4. The Land God Gave to Cain – Chris Andrews
5. The Night Pay Murphy Died – Mark Hiscock
6. Woman of Labrador – Natalie Noseworthy
7. 9:13 – Patrick Moran & Chris Andrews
8. The Stick Note – Con O’Brien
9. Lukey’s Boat – Mark Hiscock and Chris Andrews
10. Fiddler’s Green – Larry Foley
11. Isle of Newfoundland 0 Singers for Fishermen
12. Twenty One Years – Patrick Moran
13. She’s like the Swallow – Jenny Gear
October 10th, 2013
1. Jack was Every Inch a Sailor – Mark Hiscock
2. Newfoundland Blessing – Larry Foley
3. Little Boats of Newfoundland – Roy Payne
4. Harbour LeCou – Chris Andrews
5. Nobody’s Child – Patrick Moran
6. Saltwater Charlie – Joy Norman
7. The Orange & The Green – Arthur O’Brien
8. Fisherman’s Boy – Larry Foley
9. The Hillsides of Torbay – Allan Ricketts
10. Towards the Sunset – The Government Rams
11. The Galway Shawl – Fred Jorgensen
12. West Country Lady – Mark Hanrahan
13. Wave Over Wave – Jim Payne, Fergus O’Byrne & Janis Spence
14. My Island Too – Ron & Robert Kelly
October 10th, 2013
1. Rubber Boots – Mark Hiscock
2. Out From St. Leonard’s – Hilary Moores & Nichole Kirkland
3. Why Didn’t You Say So – Patrick Moran
4. Greenland Whale Fishery – Mike Kinsella
5. By the Glow of the Kerosene Light – Chris Andrews
6. Candlelight & Wine – Danielle Hann
7. Back Home on the Island – Larry Foley
8. Excrusion Around the Bay – Patrick Moran & Mark Hiscock
9. Pat Murphy’s Meadow – Bob MacDonald
10. Bound Down for Newfoundland – Tom Boland
11. The Rocks of Merasheen – Joy Norman
12. The Trinity Cake – Allan Ricketts
13. Old Flatrock Hills – Patrick Moran & Chris Andrews