The Burning Hell is the brainchild of Ontario native and official Newfoundlander, Mathias Kom. Known for his witty and often comical lyrical approach, Kom writes well plotted and cleverly constructed stories surrounding his youth and the nostalgic stance of his adult self as he relates to the younger Mathias. Big into science fiction and the television of his youth, he deals, humourously with the pop culture that reigned during the 80’s. As most great comedians do, Kom uses intelligent humour to accentuate poignant and universal themes relatable to all of us. This commentary is carried by a fantastic cast of supremely skilled musicians who serve up elements of gypsy folk, Klezmer and Roma infused tunes. This record is fun and full of life. We’re happy that Mathias chose to make St. John’s his new home.

Chris Kirby proves again why he is at the top of the rhythm and blues game in Newfoundland. “Wonderizer”, Kirby’s fourth release is a tasty offering of highly infectious, groove-laden soul music that is jammed with skillfully played electric piano, tasteful guitar, a rock solid rhythm section and blistering horn arrangements. Possessing a strong lyrical wit, Kirby splits the album in to two halves: Greasy and Honey. The Greasy side of the record deals with shadier aspects of a musician’s lifestyle. From back door drug pushers to slick, smooth talking posers. It is a dark and ultimately humorous look at the dichotomy of bar culture from the eyes of a seasoned musician. The honey side has a more positive slant and deals with love, the positive elements of relationships and the silver lining of the first half of the album. On “Wonderizer”, Chris is highlighting his chops as an electric piano player. He is fantastic and the piano is a sonic extension of his hands. He floats effortlessly up and down the keyboard with subtlety and nuance and at once smashes the keys in a fiery and raunchy flourish of Rhodes(y) goodness harkening glimpses of Dr. John. He is seriously soulful and this is accentuated by his tried and true rhythm section, Craig Follett on bass and Mark Marshall on drums and percussion. Filling out the sound is one of the province’s finest guitarists, Chad Murphy and the gut busting, “Horns of Justice”, including members of Reggae/Ska darlings, the Idlers. This potent combination creates an intensely catchy record filled with great hooks and a whole lot of soul.

Known famously as the charismatic and high octane front man for Newfoundland’s own Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle has waited 20 years to release his solo debut. “Boy on a Bridge” is a collection of originally and co-written songs (Co-writers include Oscar winning Actor Russell Crowe and Grammy winner Gordie Sampson). It also features some Canadian musical heavyweights including, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, Hawksley Workman and Colin James. The album is somewhat of a departure from the sound and genre that has become synonymous with GBS but it still maintains the vitality and the immediately familiar voice. Doyle takes a reflective stance on his solo record. He has certainly lived an exciting life and in his first single, “I’ve Seen a Little”, he implores that he still has so much more to see and do. He is happy but not satisfied and knows there is still so much for him to accomplish. He is heartfelt and it comes through on this album. There is a definite pop rock quality to the majority of the album and it is filled with catchy choruses and tuneful hooks. It is a well-produced record that pays important attention to Alan’s voice which is, undoubtedly his strongest instrument.

Pilot to Bombardier began as an RPM Challenge album for creator/songwriter Bryan Power. Now, a few short years later Power has released a wonderful record of reflective, beautifully melancholic songs that display the finest elements of folk-country and Americana. This album has subsequently established Bryan as one of the city’s most important, up and coming singer-songwriters

Curtis Andrews is one of Newfoundland’s most adventurous and eclectic artists. On “Tambanavo”, Curtis dives into traditional and original Zimbabwean folk music. Featured prominently is the Mbira, the national instrument of Zimbabwe. Its haunting and uplifting sound is reminiscent of water dropping, spirits talking, ancestors singing and blood pumping. This album is absolutely beautiful.

They made a huge splash at the George Street Festival opening for the Dropkick Murphy’s. It was great match. At Ships End pack a mean punch with elements of traditional and Celtic-rock. It is high energy, urgent music accented by fiddle, accordion, electric guitar, bass and drums. Fans of the Murphy’s and Flogging Molly will definitely enjoy “Awake”.

It’s been some time since Dana’s last album but “Within the Dark” has been worth the wait. Filled with catchy pop, rock and RnB, the record is laden with well-played songs written by Dana. Songs of relationships, good and bad are delivered with Dana’s strong, confident voice and, in particular, some fantastic electric piano and Wurlitzer performed by Wade Tarling. A stellar cast of musicians make this is great, easy listening album.

Eddie Coffey is a legendary Newfoundland songwriter-entertainer who has penned some of the province’s most well-loved songs including the anthemic, Grey Foggy Day. Finally, Eddie’s best songs have been compiled on one album. As the title suggests, this is a gathering of some of the most popular songs in the Newfoundland and Labrador canon, including a wonderful rendition of Aunt Martha’s Sheep for Eddie’s old friend, legend Dick Nolan.

*Now re-issued with new album artwork!*

The Benoits are the first family of traditional music on the Port aux Port peninsula. The fiddle, button accordion and acoustic guitar feature most prominently in their songs and this family is exceptionally skilled at their respective instruments. The album is a mix of up-tempo jigs and reels and some fantastic singing songs including a great rendition of the traditional piece, Vive la Rose, first made popular by fiddle icon, Emile Benoit. Produced by acclaimed musician, Duane Andrews, “La Farine” is an exceptional example of the significance of French influence on traditional Newfoundland music.

The second release from Ennis adheres to the ladies strengths- strong, confident vocals and a balanced mix of mid-up tempo numbers and ballads. Along with several fine originals, check out the Russell Crowe/Alan Doyle track and the lovely Ron Hynes tune, Ivory Keys. The album also features stellar backing from Mark Murphy, Billy Sutton, Alan Doyle, Graham Wells and many more. The girls are highly regarded as a legendary Newfoundland act.