Archive for the ‘Toronto ON Band’ Category

CD Review – Hands and Teeth – Hunting Season

Posted: June 7, 2012 in Alternative, Audioblood Media, Audioblood Roster Band, cd review, Hands and Teeth, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Melodic, Psychedelia, Toronto ON Band
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CD Review – Hands and Teeth - Hunting Season

Released: January 2012

by Jade Sperry

Hands & Teeth are  Kevin Black, Adam Kolubinski, Derek Monson, Natasha Pasternak and Jeff Pint and for the time being they live in Toronto.  Their release of Hunting Season is a good progression from Enjoy Your Lifestyle from 2010.    One thing this band does well is the harmonies.  Finding people to harmonize well with can be quite hard.

Here is the track listing:

  1. It’s Coming Back
  2. All That Was
  3. Le Petit Voleur
  4. Sound of Hamilton
  5. Missing
  6. Parallel States
  7. Hunting Season
  8. Song 8

The lead-off track  “It’s Coming Back” has a melodic sound which gives it a very whimsical feel.  It reminds me of someone who has come 360 degrees in their life and are looking back on the darker thoughts.  With lyrics like “We know what you are”,  “I hide in the dark” and “Scars are fading fast” sounds to me like someone has gone through something traumatic in their childhood. “All That Was” starts with a whimsical melody that builds into the bridge and chorus – and with lyrics “I can’t see out of this haze” leads one to believe they are in a state of confusion.  Lovely piano work at the beginning and end of this song.  “Sound of Hamilton” is a song close to my heart as it’s a song about my old hometown Hamilton ON.  And I have to say that lyrically and musically this song is spot on.  The melody and the total song itself sounds creepy – almost like you just went to Dundurn Castle and got spooked out and ran for your life in the downtown alleys with only the thought of “getting out” before it’s too late.  “Missing” is a fairly upbeat song but with a melancholy melody that is slightly off key and reminds me of the Detroit sound (The Ronnettes) in the first verses.  The lyrics speak of “you try to see the whole world and suddenly it’ll bring you down” because you may not be aware that our culture is now global in the 21st century.  I really like how this song flows – almost like water.  “Parallel States” has wonderful harmonies which weave through the song and make it sound alive.  There is really good depth from the middle of the song to the end.  “Hunting Season” is uptempo and has quirky lyrics that sound like they have a bite to it.   I really like the male/female tradeoff in the song as well as the guitars in the beginning of the song.  The melody is very warm, positive and inviting.  The bridge is slowed down to vocalize gently and then the song evens off.  This is song the one I like the best.  It’s the way that the song is structured by lyrics and melody.  And the last song “Song 8″ starts out as s spooky melody however it ends up as a laid back song.   The lyrics are whimsical with just enough spook to it.  This band pulled off that song very well.

I’d rate this CD at 8 out of 10.  Song structure, melodies and harmonies are really well captured in this 8 song CD.  If you like good music that is frantic, lazy and down to earth, then this band is for you.  Any one can easily identify with subjects within the song.  If you like Hey Rosetta!, David Vertesi and Mother Mother then you’ll probably like this band as well.  I’m looking forward to more songs from this band.

A video for your enjoyment from Hands & Teeth -  “Hunting Season/Sounds of Hamilton” – an impromptu performance at Toronto’s Capital Expresso.  Video shot and edited by Mitch Fillion.

Toronto’s The Bloody Five CD review

Posted: May 21, 2012 in Alternative, Alternative Rock, Alternative Southern Rock, cd review, Hard Rock, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Lampshade Productions, The Bloody Five, Toronto ON Band
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CD Release:  The Bloody Five

Released:  Summer of 2012

by Jade Sperry

The Bloody Five are a rock band out of Toronto ON who are moving up the in the local club circuit.  They’ve got an EP that was released in June 2010 (Bedroom Music – a FREE download) that I reviewed – that EP totally rocked!!  And in 2012 they’ve done 2 things which is heading in the right direction – they’ve done a cover version of the classic song by The Demics called “(I Wanna Go To) New York City” this past February.  And in the summer of 2012, they’ll release their debut CD which is definitely a progression of their musical skills.

The track listing is as follows:

1.    Release

2.    Tethered

3.    Just Joking

4.    After You

5.    Under This Mountain

6.    Exit Sign

7.    (I Wanna Go To) New York City

8.    And For Me The Forest

9.    Bedroom Music

10.   Never Again

11.   Je M’excuse

The Bloody Five are Tomi Fear (guitars), KD has got the pipes, Jay Appleby (Bass) and Raw Beats Sedan (Drums).  The mastering of the CD is the work of one talented guy from Toronto – Producer Joao Carvalho who reminds me of Rick Rubin.  Vancouver artist David Vertesi worked with Joao on his solo CD Cardiograpphy.  The other songs on this CD were recording and mixing the CD was done by Derek Hoffman (in the band Brighter Brightest)  The cover song was mixed by Brian Moncarz.  And the band traveled to New York in the summer of 2011 to shoot the video for the song and had help via Kevin McLaughlin (owner of Autoshare), Chris Nelson and videographer Martin Wojtunik.  And CBGB’S and The Ramones somehow.

“Release” is the first song.  Slighty off key, it has a creepy or unsure sound to it.  It’s slow sombre music that suddenly drives you straight into to the drums pounding, bass raging, guitars off in a clean buzz with vocals sounding strained, sad and pleading.   Just for a second I got the shiver that this song makes you physically feel.  Good choice for the leadoff song!   “Tethered” has a blues feel in the beginning with slow harmonicas.  But then the voltage of the song rises instantly out of nowhere.  Because it slams into your face so fast that the song takes right off into the horizon.  It’s a well written song that this band can pull it off.  “Just Joking” and “After You” are solid ballad songs with hurt and raw emotion which generates the emotion of the song across to the listener.  I felt as though the four band members were playing it just for me.  In my living room.  With a cold beer.  Good work!  Hands down my favorite song on the CD is  “Under The Mountain”.  Wonderful melodies with what sounds like a mandolin that truly makes the emotion in this song.  The vocals are particularly good in this song as well.  In 3/4 time,  “Exit Sign” is another song that really smacks you in the face and screams “HELLO?” Pieces of this song are reminiscent of The Beatles, The Ramones and Green Day to name a few.  One thing I really like about this band is the age dimension.  It’s quite evident that the band have a vast knowledge of music to work with and its evident in this one song.  The Cover song of  (I Wanna Go To)  New York City is very well done.  Upbeat tempo which Green Day do so brilliantly in 3/3 (tempo).  The last four songs are on the Bedroom Music EP which you can download for free by clicking the link at the beginning of this article.

This CD rates a 9 out of 10.  I like the vocal sounds with the music and the music is very well written and performed by all four members.  I would suggest this CD to anyone who likes good music of any kind.  So and get your hands on this CD!

Watch the video by The Bloody Five

Disclaimer – article was released with errors and not to my knowledge.  I have fixed the errors and will post accordingly to various sites.

Audioblood Media has Canadian Music Week Schedule – Toronto ON

Posted: March 19, 2012 in Audioblood Media, JadedPhotography News, Location, Montreal QC, Press Releases, Toronto ON Band
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The people at Audioblood have their roster of bands and artists’ performing at various places in Toronto.  Here’s a list of the bands and the venues:

Mar. 21 @ Lee’s Palace (w/ The Reason. 9pm)
Mar. 22 @ The Silver Dollar Lounge (1am)
Mar. 24 @ French Connection Eaton Centre (Free Acoustic in-store, 6pm)
Mar. 22 @ Cabin 5 (*CMW Showcase w/ Surprise special guest. 11pm)
Mar. 23 @ Royal York Hotel (*Acoustic Set in the Audio Blood/CBC Social Lounge, 2pm)
Mar. 24 @ French Connection Eaton Centre (*Free Classical CMW In-Store, 5pm)
Mar. 24 @ The Garrison (10pm)
Mar. 21 @ the CN Tower (Official Opening Gala w/Joel Plaskett. 4pm **Invite only)
Mar. 22 @ Sneaky Dee’s (*Audio Blood CMW Showcase. 10pm)
Mar. 23 @ Sneaky Dee’s (East Coast Music Association CMW Day Party. 6:05pm)
Mar. 24 @ Audio Blood/CBC Social Lounge (Royal York Hotel, 2pm)
Mar. 24 @ TIFEM (4:30pm)
Mar. 24 @ Rivoli (Music Nova Scotia Showcase, 6:30pm)
Mar. 22 @ French Connection Queen St. W (Free CMW In-Store, 6pm)
Mar. 22 @ Sneaky Dee’s (*Audio Blood CMW Showcase. 2am)
Mar. 23 @ Royal York Hotel CBC Music Artist Lounge (Stripped down set, 4pm)
Mar. 24 @ C’est What (12am)
Mar.21 @ Cadillac Lounge (11pm)
Mar. 22 @ French Connection Eaton Centre (Free CMW In-Store, 5pm)
Mar.23 @ Sneaky Dee’s (ECMA CMW Day Party. 4:20pm)
Mar.23 @ Cadillac Lounge (1am)
Mar. 24 @ Rivoli (Music Nova Scotia Showcase. 1am)
Mar. 22 @ French Connection Queen St. W (Free CMW In-Store, 5pm)
Mar. 22 @ Cabin 5 (9pm)
Mar. 23 @ The Central (11pm)
Mar. 21 @ The Horseshoe Tavern (10:15pm)
Mar. 22 @ Tattoo Rock Parlour (10pm)
Mar. 23 @ Sneaky Dee’s (*ECMA Showcase. 6:35pm)
Mar. 22 @ Sneaky Dee’s (*Audio Blood CMW Showcase. 12am)
Mar. 23 @ French Connection (Free CMW In-Store, 5pm)
Mar. 24 @ Audio Blood/CBC Social Lounge (Royal York Hotel, 3pm)
Mar. 22 @ Audio Blood/CBC Social Lounge (Royal York Hotel, 4pm)
Mar. 22 @ Sneaky Dee’s (*Audio Blood CMW Showcase. 8pm)
Mar. 22 @ French Connection Eaton Centre (6pm)
Mar. 22 @ Sneaky Dee’s (*Audio Blood CMW Showcase. 1am)
Mar. 22 @ The Silver Dollar Lounge (2am)
Mar. 23 @ Audio Blood/CBC Social Lounge (Royal York Hotel, 3pm)
Mar. 23 @ Lee’s Palace (w/ The Inbreds, 10pm)
Mar. 24 @ French Connection Eaton Centre (Free CMW In-Store, 3pm)
Mar. 21 @ Rancho Relaxo (8pm)
Mar. 23 @ Sennheiser Lounge Library Bar (10:30pm)
Mar. 23 @ French Connection Queen St. W (Free CMW In-Store, 5pm)
Mar. 22 @ Audio Blood/CBC Social Lounge (Royal York Hotel, 3pm)
Mar. 24 @ The Rivoli (Music Nova Scotia Showcase. 12am)
Mar. 24 @ The Hideout (2am)

The bands are available for an interviews through Audioblood – contact information is available on the link to Audioblood at the top of the page.

Latest EP by The Manvils – Black Tornado

Posted: January 24, 2012 in 5 song EP review, Alternative Rock, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Power Punk, Progressive, Rock and Roll, The Manvils, Toronto ON Band
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The Manvils had quite a year in 2011. They moved from Vancouver to Toronto and celebrated the new release of their EP Black Tornado. They hooked up with producer Sho Murray who recorded their debut CD Buried Love. The concept that they acquired is to record songs in each of their favorite cities – Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago. The band in general are progressing as songwriters and performers as this first EP release clearly shows the creative side of the band in general. They’ve also shared the stage with larger bands including Metric, Stereophonics, Bif Naked, Sonic Youth and Ben Harper just to name a few.

The tracks on this EP Vol. 1 are:

  1. Lions of a Lost Tongue
  2. Black Tornado
  3. Alone With You
  4. Castaway
  5. Hot Volcano

Starting with the song “Lions of a Lost Tongue” has a good melody but is a bit erratic in the beginning which works well with the Eddie Van Halen guitars. I particularly like the vocal work by Mikey Manville (singer/songwriter/guitars) and as always Greg Buhr (bass) lays down some root chords and is the backbone that is persistent in this song. Jay Koenderman (drums) keeps the beat like melted iron. The EP title song “Black Tornado” has a shifty kind of beat with straight on rock and roll but has confidence woven into the song like a heartbeat. Choppy and fuzzed out  guitars are layered in the song which makes the melody sound like it’s on the dangerous side. ”Alone with You” has a moody and dark melody with guitars that remind me of a murder and mayhem. With lyrics that say “I won’t leave myself alone with you” and “blood on my hands” confirms the feeling. “Castaway” has a definite haunting sound with a moody and dark melody which reminds me of being lost or having lost someone or something. Tense vocals throughout the song pick up the desperation that climaxes with an abrupt end to the song. Wow! “Hot Volcano” is an off-tempo, stop/stutter and frantic melody that works really well with Mikeys’ vocals. Choppy guitars end the song with a little bit of honey that makes the final notes all that much sweeter. Emotions are hard to get across to the listener through a song but Mikey manages to do this well. And his skills as a songwriter show up and are on the same page as the rest of the band. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them on an international stage in the near future.

For all things Manville their website has a lot of information including CD’s, past media articles and a tour sections to see where the band will be touring in 2012. The bands website is here.

Decade Of Sleep release new video for “Way Of The World”

Posted: July 8, 2011 in Band, Decade Of Sleep, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Toronto ON Band, Video Review
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Video Review

Decade Of Sleep – Way of the World/With A Little Help From My Friends

Recorded Live At Imprint Music, Toronto ON

by Jade Sperry

Jadedphotography

A very talented band out of Toronto by the name of Decade Of Sleep have just released their new video for the song “Way Of The World” from their self-titled CD which was released in 2010. The video begins with drums which Eric, Lance and Matt are keeping a steady beat. As well as playing the drums, Lance is also playing his guitar.  Phil comes in when the drums suddenly stop at about the 58 second mark. Playing the organ, Phils’ vocals are subtle, raw and filled with emotion. The musical breaks in this video are bang on and everyone is really getting into the groove by the time they meld “Way of the World” into “With A Little Help From My Friends”. This video is just over 11 minutes long and all of the musicians make this look so easy. I particularly like the female backing vocals as they give the song a very full sound. All in all, this video is well performed by everyone in the room and does have a happy and mellow vibe.

You can find the video on the bands’ YOUTUBE page as well as a few other videos that you can watch.

Way Of The World Official Video by Decade Of Sleep

New Bands Alert – Short reviews of new bands

Posted: July 2, 2011 in Alternative, Band, cd review, Emily's Army, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Oakland CA USA, Power Punk, Progressive, Ska, Surf, Teenage X, Toronto ON Band
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Hello to everyone on this fine Saturday!  Happy long weekend.  Whoo!  I’m starting a new series (sort of) of letting people know of new bands that stand out and above the murkiness of finding good music in the abyss.  Today I’m focusing on 2 bands – Teenage X (Toronto ON Canada) and Emily’s Army (Oakland CA USA).

Teenage X – Drink Dance Destroy

Released: June 4, 2011

CD cover.

I awoke one day to find an email in our collective NXEW mailbox from Teenage X.  Since the name intrigued me, I checked out their sites and streamed the music from their MYSPACE page and then downloaded the songs that the band had sent a link to.  WOW.  You need to seriously check this music out.

From the band’s bio: “Teenage X are the band that you blare at an excessive volume from your car stereo with the windows rolled down.” That pretty much says it right there. And this nine song CD is a really good mix of James Dean cool with punk attitude hitting you in the face. Solid melodies, good time changes, biting and aggressive lyrics and the music just invites you to get up and move. Track listing is as follows:

  1. The Signal
  2. Fast Machine
  3. Boom
  4. Drink Dance Destroy
  5. Losin’ It
  6. Say What You Want
  7. On The Outside
  8. Chelsea Horror Hotel
  9. Wasted

The best thing about this bands’ music is that the melodies are in contrast to the lyrics and it’s done well.  The highlight songs on this CD are: The Signal (has the best lyrics and best “I want revenge” song), Fast Machine (has good time changes), Drink Dance Destroy (hard and heavy and in your face), Say What You Want (headbanging song with a steady beat), Chelsea Horror Hotel (kind of lyrically funny with music that is a bit on the light side and is effective) and Wasted (party song/drinking all night and the state that that person is in).

There’s something here that anyone can relate to in everyday life. Solid songs performed with energy and intensity that smacks you in the face at times. Good times!

You can stream the entire album at this link:
http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/Teenage-X

The second band, Emily’s Army, I found out about by a friend of mine who lives in the Bay area.  She tipped me off about a new teenage punk band that would rock my socks.  And I can’t refuse an invitation like that.  Checking out the band on their MYSPACE page, I started streaming the music and I liked it so much that I went on iTunes and bought it.   Having no idea who the band members were, I found that this CD was co-produced by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and that his 16 year old son Joey was the drummer of this band.  And honestly, this band has a lot of talent already and they’re still in high school.  Mind-blowing.

Emily’s Army – Don’t Be A Dick

Released: June 24, 2011

Emily's Army.

A quartet of teenage punksters from Oakland CA have music that is progressive power punk. Classic rock, punk, garage, surf and ska all mix well together and highlights the songs on this stellar debut CD.  Track listing is as follows:

  1. Broadcast This
  2. Strictly For The Birds
  3. Asslete
  4. Rom Drom
  5. Little Face
  6. Ho-Lloween
  7. West Coast
  8. Statutory Rape
  9. Burn Apollo
  10. The Gutter
  11. Regan MacNeil
  12. I Wanna Be Remembered
  13. Bad Cop
  14. Loch Lomond

Highlight songs:  Broadcast This (this song speaks of boring music stations and is a catchy song musically and lyrically),  Little Face (3 chord song done well with lyrics that speak of being independent and not following the crowd), West Coast (musically it’s a really good blend of surf/ska/punk feel and speaks of the east coast vs the west coast), Statutory Rape (about the video gaming industry and they speak of how violent it is) and Loch Lomond (a classic and played extremely well).  If you like punk music and want a fresh approach then you need to check out Emily’s Army.  Slick punks and sick songs.

The Mip Power Trio on tour in BC

Posted: July 1, 2011 in Alternative Rock, Garage, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Press Releases, Punk, Rock and Roll, The Mip Power Trio, Toronto ON Band
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The Mip Power Trio on tour in British Columbia

The Mip Power Trio to Headline Smithers Midsummer Festival

and at various BC Locations

Toronto ON – June 25, 2011

Independent rock band The Mip Power Trio has been described by BC Musician Magazine as “a high-energy 3-piece band that mostly rocks with a quirky edge”. Smithers BC born Mip is excited about “getting her feet dirty” dancing and revisiting her festival roots with her two Toronto band-mates Jaash Singh and Greg Kowalczyk.

The Mip Power Trio will be a headlining act at the Smithers Midsummer Festival this year along with such luminaries as Watershed, Aurora Jane and Mip’s childhood hero Rick Scott.

The tour dates are as follows:

July 2, 2011 – Smithers 28th Annual Midsummer Festival, Smithers BC

July 3, 2011 – Smithers 28th Annual Midsummer Festival, Smithers BC

July 8, 2011 – Falconetti’s Eastside Bar and Grill, Vancouver BC, Opening for Joseph Blood

July 10, 2011 – Cafe Deux Soliels, Vancouver BC, Featuring Erica Mah

July 12, 2011 – Fort Street Cafe, Victoria BC, Guest to be announced

If you would like more information on The Mip Power Trio or if you would like to arrange an interview with Mip, please contact Marie Perry (647-678-3367) or email her at:

mipsmusic@gmail.com

The Mip Power Trio links:

Website

YouTube

Facebook

Twitter

MySpace

CD (EP) Review – The Ruby Spirit – Born Under A Veil

Posted: June 25, 2011 in 6 song review, Alternative Rock, Band, Cabaret, cd review, Dramatic Rock, ep review, Genres, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Pop Rock, The Ruby Spirit, Toronto ON Band
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CD (EP) Review – The Ruby Spirit – Born Under A Veil

Released: September 5, 2010

by Jade Sperry

JadedPhotography

The Ruby Spirit. Photo courtesy of the band

In the fall of 2010, The Ruby Spirit released their debut record Born Under a Veil to a crowd of 500 eager fans at The Great Hall in Toronto. Since then the band has garnered a flurry of glowing reviews from independent blogs and printed newspapers for their ambitious and breakthrough brand of alternative pop. There are no signs of looking back.

This stellar EP was produced and mixed by Tony Malone and mastered by Joao Carvalho in various studios in Toronto ON. My first impressions of this EP: a lot of focused energy, dramatic music and fanciful lyrics in all 6 songs that are interesting and well written. The members of the band are:  Paige Boy (vocals), Alex Pulec (guitar and vocals), Mickey Donnell (bass), Jay Cipparrone (drums and percussion) and Juliana Eye (piano, organs, synth and vocals). This is a band that has a dramatic flair in their costumes and actions onstage which gives the music a “theatrical” feel to it (think “Cabaret”).

“Tin Can Bees” is the opening song which has an odd time signature and count but it works well with the melody and lyrical arrangement. Fuzzed out guitars, operatic vocals and samba drums are the backbone to this song. This song is based in emotions that speak of “we hate where we live but love the view”.

“Sound of the Bell” has a bit of an evil feel to it but at the same time, it has a fun feel to it, musically speaking. Lyrically, it speaks of being free, having the touch, and about having nothing to fear. It does have an uneven time signature but it works with the melody. The vocals are done very well by blending in with the music and setting the pace of the song in general.

“Ruby Dog” is for this writer the standout song on the EP. The piano and synths have an “Eddie Munster” campy kind of feel to it. The bass line and drums work well in the song giving it a great backbone to work off. Lyrically it’s about a dog that is lost and found again by his/her owner after spending a few days roaming the streets.

“From You It’s True” has a classic rock feel to it. This song has a slower time signature, a whimsical melody and great vocals. The lyrics are about not asking questions because you won’t get an answer anytime soon, if ever.

“Fix and Repair” is a stream-of-consciousness type of song. It’s fast paced with a slow break in the middle. In some parts of this song, there is a Spanish feel to the lyrics which flavors the music in a good way.

The final song “Caligari” has a jazzy time signature to it but also has a rock feel to it as well. The vocals are delivered in a very good way with emotion and feeling. Lyrically, this could be about anyone pondering the meaning of fame, money, evil intentions and the like.

Overall, this is a very good debut EP that has well crafted songs, interesting music and has a classic rock/theatrical vibe to it. The Ruby Spirit are starting life in a good place. The band is playing a show this evening Saturday June 25 at the famed El Mocambo with special guest Jumpie. You should check out the band as I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

Video – Tin Can Bees by The Ruby Spirit – Wood and Wires Sessions

 

Shoot The Image Show Review – April 20 2011 The Painted Lady Toronto ON

Posted: May 23, 2011 in Acoustic, Alternative, Band, Benefit show, Melodic, Progressive, Shoot The Image, Show review with pictures, Toronto ON Band
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Shoot The Image – Benefit Show for Jason Woods

Show Date:  April 20, 2011

Posted on:  May 24, 2011

Toronto ON @ The Painted Lady

by Jade Sperry

JadedPhotography

Jason Wood's Benefit show. Photo by Jade Sperry.

First off, I want to tell you that I would have written this review sooner had it not been for my health issues that relate to the job I am currently working.

Secondly, this was an acoustic show by three bands, two of which I caught on camera – The Fast Romantics and Shoot The Image. The first band was Hayley Gene (of the band Tuzo and which I only caught the last 15 or 20 minutes of their set which was good nonetheless).

This was a benefit show with a “pay what you can at the door” for Jason Woods. Jason was sidelined with a bad foot injury which prevented him from working and supporting his young family. The band members of Shoot The Image put together this benefit show for him.

The Fast Romantics. Photo by Jade Sperry.

This show was brilliant. The Fast Romantics were up second and did a casual acoustic set. After some minor sound issues were resolved they played a seven song set which included “Cool Kids”, “Union Park” and “Last Night” which were played with a hint of mellowness and a lot of energy. There was a lot of love in the room for Jason.

Shoot The Image took the stage next and although three band members could not be there to play due to conflicting schedules, it was the main duo who brought it home for Jason. Starting with acoustic versions of “Fortified” and “Lithograph” they sang a few covers and finished with a rousing group of friends onstage singing “Stand By Me” which fit the theme of the evening perfectly! And the best part of this night was —- raising $2200.00 for this event and a big thank you to all who attended and donated. It goes to very good people.

Shoot The Image's main dynamic duo. Photo by Jade Sperry.

Shoot The Image are playing a benefit show (Pop With Brains) at The Rivoli this Friday May 27. If you visit the bands’ website you can find out where they are playing shows as well as listening to their music.

Thanks so much to EVERYONE in the Shoot The Image realm – you all made me feel very welcome. It’s a rare thing when you go somewhere far away and meet total strangers who become friends. Bonzai to you all and thank you again!

Jason Woods in the green jacket. Dude you rock! Photo by Jade Sperry.

CD Review – Shoot The Image – Cranes In The City

Posted: April 15, 2011 in Alternative Rock, cd review, Dance, Genres, Jade Sperry, JadedPhotography, Progressive, Rock, Shoot The Image, Toronto ON Band
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CD Review – Shoot The Image – Cranes In The City
Release Date: April 15, 2011

by Jade Sperry
JadedPhotography

In a previous January 2011 posting, I did a review of 2 songs that are on this CD as well as give background on the band and where they recorded the CD. Rather than recount that information again, I’d like to focus on the music that this band creates. Going out on a limb, I can see this band becoming as huge as Metric is right now.

CD cover for Cranes In The City. Photo courtesy of the band.

This CD is absolutely brilliant. Everything about it – from the performances by all band members, the quality of the production of every song and the mixing/mastering – is by far the best I’ve heard by any band in recent years. These songs are polished and shine like gems in the murky and vast world of Independent Music. One thing I really like about this band and the music is that they have presented music that is fully ready to go – on tour, on tv, videos, interviews – you name it. A complete package. This indicates foresight by the band during most of 2010 and it will pay off handsomely in 2011 and beyond.

Overall, the music is powerful, image-conscious, melodic, trippy and a has the tightest rhythm section that insistently invites you to get up and dance. All of the songs flow seamlessly into one another and tell a story as seen by two people who live together and watch their family, friends, and the world, go by.

The track listing is as follows:

1. Fortified
2. Loveless
3. Crane
4. Vagabond
5. Lithograph
6. Encore
7. Dior
8. Reykjavik
9. Foundations
10. Sightlines

Every song holds a story of some type – whether it’s literal or imagined – and the structure of each song is well crafted and executed which makes it sound that it easily comes together. “Reykjavik” speaks of life in a hard place and how one imagines to escape it. “Vagabond” sounds to me like a man wrestling with his preconceived notion that he “just can’t get it right”. “Loveless” seems to speak of a person wrestling internally with dark feelings that if acted upon could result in the death of one soul. “Crane” is the kind of emotional damage that one person’s secrets can affect another person that potentially could happen when the realization sets in. “Encore” evokes the mystical feeling about being a phoenix and rising from the ashes of your past. Make a clean break and move on. “Dior” is essentially about achieving your goals or dreams in an unconventional way that quite likely is against the norm. “Foundations” is could be loosely based on family/friends and their relations that don’t go so well in the past that make you come to the realization of it in the moment – and then remembering that at some future point in time. “Sightlines” sounds like a frozen picture painted on canvas which depicts someone wanting and succeeding in breaking free of whatever holds them down.

Press photo for the Toronto band Shoot The Image.

Overall, there is something here that anyone can relate in one or another. Universal translations of music can go a long way when its based on events that someone sees or experiences first hand, but also by word of mouth. Shoot The Image have a “vast” feeling about their music that is intense and I believe it’s because they have very solid and strong story-telling skills. I can’t wait for you to hear this band’s music!

This writer will be attending Shoot The Image’s CD release show in Toronto ON at Wrong Bar on April 15, 2011. Doors are at 9pm and the show starts at 10pm. I would highly recommend that you come to this show as the opening bands are The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast. This is going to be a fun night of awesome music and if you miss it, you’ll be the ones to say “I could’ve been there but…”.

The band have just launched their website and the link is up at the top of the article. I hope to see you at the show if you live in the Toronto area!

Video for “Lithograph”

Lithograph – Shoot The Image from Olaf Blomerus on Vimeo.

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