Tokyo Police Club – “Not My Girl” [Listen]
Time doesn’t mean much to me
If you’re not my girl
It’s always a treat to see Tokyo Police Club. One of my favourite things I’ve ever done so far with I Heart Hamilton is getting to meet and interview lead singer Dave Monks back in June before he played The Casbah in support of his first solo record, All Signs Point To Yes. Now it’s time for some new TPC material with their new release, Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness (Part 1). They played two sold out shows at The Casbah this month and it was a joy to see them again in such an intimate venue. Love those dudes.
Hello Harvard – “Falling Fast” [Listen]
I’d run across the world just to see you
Pop-rock duo Hello Harvard came onto the scene for me when I met them during last year’s Hamilton Music Awards. Here we are a year later, and their hard work has paid off with the release of their debut EP Silly Things. They celebrate its release on May 19th at The Casbah with The Rip Nancies and I Got The Girl. The first five people there get a free copy of the EP! Catch my recent interview with the guys on 93.3 CFMU.
The Bandicoots – “Could You Get Me To Tomorrow?” [Listen]
The Bandicoots are one of my fave up-and-comers. They get better every time I see them. Lead by this new single, they are getting set to release their new EP Quarters at the Penny Arcade on May 13th, which was recorded again with Michael Keire at Threshold Recording Studio. Celebrate with the boys at This Ain’t Hollywood on June 3rd with The White Crowleys and Jaunt – solid bill.
Hanna Bech – “ABCs” [Listen]
I like to live my life by the ABCs
I like to live life freely, 123
Pop artist Hanna Bech releases her debut EP Naked Bones on May 13th. The EP release show is that night at The Baltimore House (also Art Crawl night!) with Olivia & the Creepy Crawlies, The Human Race, and The Jesse James Medicine Show. Hanna says of the record: “It is a quirky album that is serious about playfully exploring the darkness and hope we have within us. I’d describe Naked Bones like a film score and indie pop going on a first date – dramatic, playful, with a rhythm that carries it forward.”
Basement Revolver – “Johnny” [Listen]
It’s a really bad time right now
Three-piece Basement Revolver should be on your #HamOnt radar as one to watch. The band is gaining momentum and only just released their first official single this month. They impressively performed at last year’s Supercrawl even with only a demo to their name. Chrisy Hurn’s vocals are already a standout to me and the band has hit on their signature sound, making them instantly recognizable. They’re low-key, yet powerful and emotional. I’m really excited to hear more to come – expect their debut EP this July.
Gillian Nicola – “Oh Marie” [Listen]
And the road less travelled was a hard way to start
Local songstress Gillian Nicola released her new EP, No Place To Call, last month. Gillian has an effortless folk-rock sound which showcases her impressive vocal talent front and centre. For this new collection of songs, Gillian recorded at local studio Catherine North with producer Dan Hosh (Whitehorse, City & Colour) and it was mastered by Elliott Brood’s Stephen Pitkin. Gillian has really found her signature sound with this record, which is an important moment for any artist.
The Redhill Valleys – “Wrong Way Turns Out Right” [Listen]
We got no plans
Nowhere that we need to be
This local country-folk-rock trio just released their debut, self-titled album this month. It’s an impressive introduction to the band that formed just two years ago. They say of this lead single: “It’s the song that was the initial vehicle for us to find our collective voice. We knew we wanted to write songs with an emphasis on harmonies and this was the first song our voices really melded together – when we felt that we had something special.” The Redhill Valleys will play the Greenbelt Harvest Picnic in Dundas this August; the festival just expanded into two days for the first time.
Colour Film – “TheMoneysOnTheDresser” [Listen]
The only time we get along
Is when one of us is asleep or gone
Local singer-songwriter Matthew de Zoete already has three albums under his belt, and now emerges with a new identity, Colour Film. Under the new moniker, he released the EP Super8 this month. The concept for Colour Film grew out of a song by the same title that the artist penned for his last album (also titled Colour Film). Continuing the exploration of treating each song like a little film in itself, the six beautiful songs mark a new chapter for the artist.
Cairo – “With You” [Listen]
And though I fell so hard for you
I promised myself I’d know enough was enough
One of the best part of going to shows is discovering new music. You might go to see one band and end up being floored by one you’d never heard of. That was the case when I hit up Mills Hardware to see one of my very favourite live bands, The Balconies. Toronto band Cairo opened up the show and I was sold immediately, from the first few dreamy notes. Described as an orchestral alt pop band, they’re a mix of your traditional rock instruments, but with synth and strings too. I’m really digging their latest album, A History of Reasons.
