So, you haven’t had your Monthly Music fill in what, two months now! How does it feel? Did anyone go to Canadian Music Week?
This month I’ve worked up a list for you that is perfect for your spring cleaning. From psychedelic rock to funk and pop, you’ll be moving and grooving straight into May. While some of us are cramming work and exams in to the last moments of the school year, others might be looking forlornly out of their window at the rain, waiting for something new to come along. Another great thing about this time of year is that concert season is kicking into high gear – bands are stretching their hibernated legs out and running to and from Toronto, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears close to the soundboard (not really)!
Three Toronto bands you should know:
Zeus – This band has been all over the place lately, and not just as songs stuck in my head. They used to be Jason Collett’s backing band, but they’ve since gone their own way. Every guy in Zeus (except for the drummer) takes turns singing. Though they are actually currently supporting Collett on the Bonfire Ball tour across Canada (I saw it during Canadian Music Week – watch a video of everyone plus Bahamas covering the Kylie Minogue song “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”) the material off of their first album, Say Us, shows that they can survive on their own. At first listen, the most obvious comparison is The Beatles. Even I can’t get away from that one. But they’re still fresh, groovy and uniquely talented.
Julie Fader – Julie’s been around for a while, heck, even her album, Outside In, has been out since last year. But it still has that fresh charm for whenever you find it. She’s played with many of the Canadian indie kings as of late – Chad VanGaalen, Postdata, as part of Great Lake Swimmers, etc, and now they play with her. I believe that Julie is a visual artist in her spare time; you can almost feel her art in her music, it’s one of those great chameleon-like albums. Outside In is soothing and haunting – everything builds up from a simple guitar line or two. You can hear the similarities of her work to what she’s done in the past, but this is ultimately a new venture.
Born Ruffians – This trio will be releasing their sophomore album in early May, but the buzz is already running back to them. They headlined the biggest show of the last night of CMW, they’ve given away two songs for download/listen already and they’ve been working on a new video. They’re known as these three free-spirited guys who make music that sounds chunky and unusual. Born Ruffians still have that charm, but they’ve grown up; there is a distinct mature sense of funk to them now. I don’t think this will set them back, though, it’s more refreshing.
