Blind Mule - Blind Mule

1. Bend It

2. Day I Was Born

3. Pickin' Up Your Feet

4. Who Is Gunna Pay

5. Firehouse

6. Not Your Home

Bind Mule have released their debut album, which is self-titled. This album shows the band in a very all over the place way. They have a bluegrass feel to some of their songs, while others have a live pub band type of feel. These guys aren't really close to any bands because of their all over the place, and not sticking to one genre. Closest band we can think of is early Barenaked Ladies, so if you were into them in the early 90's, this band could be for you.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent quality, but the album feels like it could be louder and a bit crisper. The album has a bit of a rougher, not super produced feel to it, and that could hurt this in the end. Not bad thought. With the instrumentation here, the album feel like the band has just played pretty averagely on their debut. We don't feel this really matters much though, as the style of music they play, doesn't really call for crazy instrumentation, just good old ability to play. All in all, decent.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, the singer sings pretty well, and you can hear just what he is saying, so you can get the message out of the songs. He can certainly sing and that makes the songs easier to get into. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about everyday life and just things you deal with from day to do. These are very relatable topics and things for people to latch onto. We think they are just complex enough that most people can get the message of the songs. Not bad 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so listen to the whole album or you won't really get an idea of the album since every song seems to be different here.

Blind Mule have made a debut album that gives the band something to play, and a base for people to understand what the band is all about. We feel the band needs to narrow down their sound and pick a style to go with so that the band has something defined that the fans can grab onto, otherwise they will only like certain sings. Not bad for a first effort. Give the album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Bluegrass/Country/Folk

Release Date: 2013

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.blindmule.ca/

Label: None

Elias - Hope Is Born Again

1. Loudly

2. Faithful Forever

3. Make It Alright

4. The Whole World

5. Honestly

6. Hope Is Born Again

7. Shine Down

8. Oh What Love

9. The Love Song

10. Kingdom Come

11. Raise Our Voice

12. Benediction

Elias have released their debut album titled "Hope Is Born Again". This album shows the band having a very contemporary christian music sound. This is a pretty typical sound and style for religious artists to be singing in. These guys have a similar sound to that of an Article One, Jars Of Clay or even The Afters, so if you are into those artists, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty decent job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to pretty solid level.  The sound is nice and clear, with quite a crisp recording to them. They have done a very good job here, and it shows throughout the entire album.  The instrumentation here is pretty standard and basic. With that being said, it isn't bad, it's actually quite good, but there is nothing on this album that is really going to wow you or blow you away in this aspect. These are just nice, solid, straightforward played songs. Good job overall.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done very well. When listening to the songs, you can tell that Elias is very talented and can really sing. He has a very clear and on point with his note. This is however the typical singing style you expect within the religious musical community. The only thing we can point out on the negative, and it isn't a big deal, is we wish it was a little more unique. Other than that, great job on the vocals. Elias Dummer's songwriting was put on display with this album. He proved he can write songs, and write them well. This is show with the song "Faithful Forever" which won a Covenant Award. He has a gift for songwriting and you can see it, with his songs about faith, and your relationship with your faith throughout the whole album.  

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Faithful Forever" your attention, as it shows off Elias songwriting skills, and give you a decent look into what the rest of the album sounds like.

Elias have made a debut album that shows off the sound and style the band want to go with, and give you an insight into their music for the first time. This album is a great effort for a debut band and we are hoping to see more, and hear what this band is going to do next. We like it. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Contemporary/Christian/Rock

Release Date: 2008

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Label: None

Porcelain Youth - The Therapy Sessions EP

1. Old Enough To Know Better

2. I'm Still Dancin' With You

3. Don't Stop

4. What I Meant To Say

5. On A Good Night

6. The Day That She Left Tulsa (In A Chevy)

Porcelain Youth have released their second album titled "The Therapy Sessions EP". This album shows the band in a very alternative 90's rock way. These guys have pretty radio rock feel to them, and could really go for it with this style. They have a similar sound as bands like Finger Eleven, Fuel or even a Chevelle, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a solid job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent standard. This has a nice rock sound, and you can hear the words at the same level as the music.

The instrumentation here is pretty average, that isn't to say the band can't play. They have a standard overall rock playing on this album. Not bad all in all

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't bad either. He can certainly sing, and the words are quite clear as well. The vocal style sound pretty much what you expect from a radio rock band, nothing really unique going on here, but you can hear the lyrics so you can get just what they are singing about. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being called out and not wanting to believe it, relationships, and more. These lyrics are a little hard to quite get the jist of what they are actually singing about because they feel like multiple thoughts within a song. This will be hard for people to really grab onto the band.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the band. 

Porcelain Youth have made a debut album that shows off what the band is all about. Unfortunately when we listened to it, we didn't get enough uniqueness or anything that really stood out, to get this band to jump up ahead of the hundreds of other bands who sound pretty similar to this. Give this album a listen for yourself though so you can decide what you think.They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Hard Rock/Alternative/Rock

Release Date: 2006

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.porcelainyouth.com/

Label: V2 Records

Teal Booth - Live Off The Floor

1. The Musicians

2. You Say (Very Far Away)

3. Acoustic Punk Rock Waltz

4. Habit

5. Summertown

6. Forest

7. White Girl

8. Solstice

Teal Booth has released her debut recordings, which are live off the floor. This set of songs shows her in a pretty folky singer-songwriter way. She certainly has that solo artist way, but with a raspy voice that makes her seem older. Teal Booth has a similar sound to that of Serena Ryder, First Aid Kit or even a Feist, so if you like those artists, you could like this music. She has done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, obviously being live off the floor hurts the overall quality and perception you get of the music as a w hole package. This certainly needs some work being its very raw, rough and doesn't really have much production, but that is what off the floor is. The instrumentation is very basic and average, but again that is what the folk genre is all about. We don't really think there is a lot here, but it does show she can play.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little bit too raspy and hard to understand the lyrics at times. It has like a chat feel to it at times and just seems to be all over the place. If she just sang at her regular voice, instead of reverberating her voice, it would have such a nice tone. We do think she can sing, we can see it in the songs, just a bit too much and overdone emotion. With the lyrics, she goes for songs about your soul, forests, kinda out there, hippish things. We feel this is for more of an older crowd, so it may not necessarily translate to everyone, but thats okay. Overall, not bad. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the album.

Teal Booth has made an album that shows off the sound and style she is going for with her music. Her sound and voice isn't for everyone, and we certainly found that out, but with some work, we think it could be melded into something. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Acoustic/Folk/Singer-Songwriter

Release Date: August 27th, 2012

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Website: http://www.tealbooth.com/

Label: None

Lava Dolls - American Girls/Now You See Me

1. American Girls

2. Now You See Me

Lava Dolls have released their debut two song album. These two songs are a sample of whats to come from the band, and gives you and idea of what the band is about. These guys have a sound thats a little different, with a faster paced rock feel to them. They have a similar sound to that of Mindless Self Indulgence if they were more of an alternative rock band. We think this sounds pretty good actually. When looking at the recording quality of these two songs, they have been recorded quite well. The songs have a nice hard hitting sound, and they have a great a power to them when you listen. The instrumentation isn't really something that is going to blow you away, but their fast hard playing, makes you want to know who they are. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals the singer goes for hard hitting, in your face vocals. He is clear with his delivery and you can tell just what he is singing about. This has a very generic, regular rock vocal to it which isn't bad. All in all, we like the vocals. 

With the lyrics on "American Girls" the band sings about drugs and not being able to get away from them, while on "Now You See Me" the band sings about getting stuck in a situation you can't get out of. These songs will relate to some people, but they feel more like an interpretation of what they feel a rock song is suppose to be about. 

If you are looking for a single, it's two songs, so just listen to both to get the idea of the band.  Lava Dolls have released a two song album that works as a sampler to get you interested in the band, and it certainly worked. We can't wait to hear what a full album will sound like, and whats to come from them. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rock/Hard Rock

Release Date: November 6th, 2016

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://lavadolls.com/

Label: None

Sumo Cyco - Opus Mar

1. Anti-Anthem

2. Free Yourself

3. Move Mountains

4. Passengers

5. Brave II

6. Sleep Tight

7. Rivalry

8. Kids Of Calamity

9. Won't Put Me Out

10. Words

11. The Broadcasters (Murdering By Radio)

12. Rally

13. Building Castles

Sumo Cyco have released their second album titled "Opus Mar". This basically means future destruction. With a title like that, there is a lot to live up to. The band seems to have a ska and rock sort of feel to the band, while giving off a weird music vibe. They say the closest band is Skindred to their music, so if you like those guys, you could like this album as well. They have done an alright job here. When looking at the recording quality, the album has been recorded fairly well here. This album is fairly crisp, and you can hear everything, so that is great. The instrumentation here isn't anything to turn your head, as the vocals outweigh the music. This doesn't mean the band can't play, they can, but it doesn't bring your attention to it. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on the album are pretty clear, on point, and you can hear everything she says. Skye can certainly sing, and she shows it all over this album. All in all, great job. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about love, feeling the power, going and getting it, and no sitting around, to go grab what you want. This feels like topics, someone who doesn't really have a theme or direction to latch onto. We like the lyrics, but they seem to have been done over and over. Not a bad job though, we just wish more meaning was in the songs.  If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Move Mountains" your attention, as this is the best song on the album, and it really shows off the band the best. This song also features Benji from Skindred. Sumo Cyco have made an album that seems to be getting more attention, and brings their sound ahead. This album certainly rocks, but it rides the line of a bar band, and a solid rock band. Not a bad job here, we just feel it's all over in sound. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hard Rock/Rock/Alternative

Release Date: March 31st, 2017

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Website: http://www.sumocyco.com

Label: None

Ritual - Ritual

1. Pieces

2. Gag Order

3. Americhrist

4. Rat Queen

5. Grim Part II

6. Hot Pink

7. Model Wife

8. White Blooded

9. Love Song

10. Ripe

11. Ataxia

Ritual have released their debut album, which is self titled. As singer Matty Tobin is the formerly of Dead and Divine, this album has similarities to them. This is a heavy "core" album, and has a very professional sound to it. If you are a previous fan of Dead and Divine, you will most likely like this album. Along with bands such as Every Time I Die, Norma Jean and The Chariot, these are bands that seem to be similar in style to ritual's debut. SO if you like those bands, give this a listen. They have done a pretty decent job here. The instrumentation on this album feels very much like a band that stops on a dime and changes what they are playing, while also trying to play aggressive and fast. These guys can play, as seen throughout this album, but it isn't the type of thing that will turn heads, it's just solid music that will turn heads based on members mostly. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, when looking at Matt's vocals, he can certainly sing, and sing well he does. His vocal style, almost has a southern hardcore style to it. For the most part you can understand what he is saying, but there are times its hard to catch. All in all, he does a solid job on this album and it's worth the listen. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about the way society is and how people are for themselves, depression, being in a bad place in life, and just overall having a bad life. We feel these reflect the singer and how his life must be at this time. Unfortunately people can relate to being this way and needing an outlet to get these things out. Many musicians use music to do so, and this feels like that. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Rat Queen" your attention, as this is the hit for the album, and will give you a good idea on how the rest sounds. Ritual have made a dark and somewhat depressing album, but it's also aggressive and brings you into the bands world. Being the bands first effort, this shows what the band is going to be like, and their sound. We really seem to like this album, so give it a listen and decide for yourself what you think about it. 

Genre: Hardcore/Metalcore/Post-Hardcore

Release Date: October 30th, 2015

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.weareritual.com/
Label: Bullettooth (USA)/Distort Entertainment (Canada)

Hotknives - Songs 2019

1. Are You Afraid Of The Dark?

2. Splinter

Hotknives have released their debut 2 song EP which they have simply titled "Songs 2019." These two songs show off the band in a very hardcore and punk light. The band has said that they are most similar to Rise Against, but we feel it has more of a hardcore sound to it then that. If you like Rise Against or heavier music, you could like this album. They have done a pretty decent job here. When looking at the recording quality of these two songs, they have been recorded pretty well actually. Our feeling is that the vocals could of been more upfront and stronger but thats okay. The instrumentation on the album is pretty average, there is nothing to really blow you away, but also nothing that is going to make you cringe. This is just some regular across the board playing. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album as we said before could be a little stronger but you can tell he has a solid base to work from. With the lyrics, the band goes for a story about cheating and relationships going sour on "Are You Afraid Of The Dark?". This is something that unfortunately people can relate to in recent times, so it resonates with the listener. On "Splinter" the band talks about a similar topic in bad relationships and people can be confused or confuse you. These two songs hit their target audience pretty well in the lyric department, since these are things their listeners deal with. If you were to choose only one of the songs to listen to, pick "Are You Afraid Of The Dark?" as its the single, but honestly listen to them both, it's like less than 6 mins total. Hotknives have made a 2 song EP that gives you an idea of how the band wants to sing and where they fit in the scene. From these two songs, we can tell the band has something here and we can't wait to hear what the full EP will sound like. Pretty decent job here. Listen to these songs for yourself to decide what you think of them.

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Punk

Release Date: 2019

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Label: None

Kazzer - Go For Broke

1. Pedal To The Metal

2. You Don't Know

3. For You

4. Throwin' It Down

5. Puddem Up

6. Locked Tight

7. Dreamin'

8. Elements

9. Eighties

10. No Complaints

11. Test Me

12. Halfway Home

13. When It Rains It Pours

Kazzer has released his debut album titled "Go For Broke." Kazzer has a style that is a mix of hip  hop and rock. This album just has a feel like something is off here. He is too late for the rap rock thing, and it's hard to tell weather he's cool or his music is dad rock. Kazzer has a similar sound to that of artists like Shocore, Trik Turner or KO, so if you liked these artists, you could like Kazzer. He has done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, this album has actually been recorded quite well. This is one of the big highlights of the album. The instrumentation is pretty standard, as it's basically just a backup band behind a solo artist. The band can  play, but it's nothing you'll really think twice about. Not onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent, as Kazzer can certainly rap and keep his pace/flow on it. Now it is a little hard at times to totally get what he is saying, but all in all he has done a good job here. With the lyrics, they just have so many generic topics to them. Songs about cars, rocking, trying to make it, and being on top. These are quite unoriginal topics and are probably why this album didn't do too well. This is a decent attempt, but at this time, it already feels old. If you are looking for a single to this album, his one hit "Pedal To The Metal" is the one you should pay attention to. This is the stand out track on the album and it talks about cars and going fast. Listen to this song and you will get a good idea of the rest of the album. Kazzer has made a debut album that is pretty lackluster besides the one hit. We hope he can get out there more and hopefully work on his craft more to get a fuller quality of tracks. Good try here, and we hope to see more from Kazzer soon. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Alternative/Hip Hop/Nu Metal

Release Date: 2003

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Website: http://www.kazzermusic.com/

Label: Epic Records

Flamingo Bay - Loco Pony

1. VII

2. Serpentine

3. Ballad Of The Nomad

4. Twisted

5. Take Me Down

6. Candy Cane Lane

7. Bleed

8. Honey Bucket

9. El Gallo

Flamingo Bay have released their second album titled "Loco Pony." This album is quite similar in style and sound as their previous debut EP. Their sound is a mix of older rock and 90's rock, so it has a bit more of a bar band sound to it. These guys have a similar sound to that of Tom Petty or a Third Eye Blind type of band. You could like this if you like any of those styles of music. When looking at the recording of this album, the album has a bit of an echo and just has a feel that it could be cleaned up more to have a crisper sound. The instrumentation on this album isn't bad, but it certainly isn't something you haven't heard before. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals are pretty clear, and you can understand every word he is singing. Some of his note holding sound a little off, which would be our criticism. All in all, he can sing and it isn't too bad. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about girls, and relationships for the most part. There isn't really a lot of substance with these songs, they have very stereotypical rock themes to them. We personally would like to see more variety of topics in the lyrics. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Serpentine" your attention, as it is the best song and gives the best overall feel of the whole album. Flamingo Bay have written a full length album that here and there shows off they can play, while giving you a rock album. We think that widening the whole music would be beneficial to this band, but not bad for just a regular rock album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Alternative

Release Date: September 24th, 2013

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.flamingobaymusic.com/

Label: None

Cedar Spring Motel - Cedar Spring Motel

1. Stitches

2. Waiting (For The Rain)

3. Smoke Breake

4. Fake

Cedar Spring Motel have released their debut album. This album happens to be self titled. This band has gone for an alternative rock and punk feel to their music here. These guys want to sound like the type of underground punk and rock that labels like Dine Alone Records are picking up on. This band has a feel of bands like The Dirty Nil and Single Mothers, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a great job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has a bit of a rawness to it, that from what we can see, is something the band is going for in their sound.For the style they are going for, this album has been recorded decently. The instrumentation isn't really anything to perk your ears up to, but they can certainly play. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little bit echoed and could be up front just a little bit more in the mix at points. He can certainly sing, and you can tell just what he is saying so that's good to get the meanings of the songs. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about finding a way to escape, not being yourself, being beaten and bruised emotionally and more. We feel like these are different ways to talk about yourself hurting and needing an escape. It is always nice to hear things in a different way, to get a perspective you didn't think about. All in all we feel like the band did a good job on the lyrics. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. Cedar Spring Motel have made a debut album that really shows off the meld of music the band wants to go with. They have something that seems to be what a few other bands have decided to do, but it seems to be working for those bands. Not bad overall. We would however like to see the band out there more so more people can be exposed to their music. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Indie/Rock/Punk

Release Date: June 11th, 2016
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Label: None

Holiday - No Foreplay

1. Downtown

2. 40 Proof Love

3. Hey You

4. Sugar Sugar

5. A Little Bit

6. Reading Hebrew

Holiday have released their debut album titled "No Foreplay." This album has a bit of a mix between a lighter rock band and a pop punk band. These guys have a great sound either way, and almost anyone can listen to this. They have a similar sound to that of a Faber Drive or a Just Surrender, so if you liked those bands, you could possibly like these guys. They have done a solid job here. When looking at the quality of the recording for the album, the album quality is actually really decent and has held up well. The instrumentation is not bad. the band has made a very listenable album, and although they don't really blow anyone away, it is still good solid music. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little sketchy, but that could be because of the quality of the recording. he can certainly sing, and he has that softer, smooth vocal style to his singing. You can also hear everything he is saying perfectly, so we think this is something that can appeal to a lot of people. Great voice here. With the lyrics, the band goes for the typical theme within their songs. Songs about love and girls seem to dominate the subject matter the most here. Now we think a lot of people can relate to this theme, we would of liked to see the band step out of the box a bit more with the lyrics. Not bad though. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. We suggest the song "Downtown." Holiday have made a debut album that we think can target a wide variety of people, which we think gives them an edge in making fans quicker. The band has done a really good job on this album and we can't wait to see what is up their sleeve next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Punk

Release Date: June 1st, 2005
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Label: None

Dead Tired - Dead Tired

1. Court Of Public Opinion

2. All Hands

3. Nativity

4. Dead Tired

5. Hill Of The Pois

6. Slow Day

7. Nightmare

8. Punks At The Gym

9. Cold And Construction

10. Awakened

11. Undecided

12. Expansion

Dead Tired have released their debut album which they have decided to self title. This album shows the band in a mix from being a hardcore punk band and a metal band. These guys have an interesting sound that is raw but really has the potential as well. They have a similar sound to that of Cunter, Exalt or even an Brutal Youth, so if you like any of these artists, you could really like this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty raw and lower quality. This is probably by choice. to get that dirty, fuzzy, raw hardcore punk sound. The instrumentation is nothing really to bat an eye at, but the band can play the music well. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals, as it has been with Alexisonfire's early stuff, the vocals and lyrics were hard to get or understand. This is the case with George's debut post AOF. He does still have the same style, and can certainly scream, but it is hard to get the lyrics. With the lyrics, they are pretty hard to understand, but they do sing about their hands, confrontation, and more. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. Dead Tired have made an album that has a more doomy alexis feel. The album certainly has potential and we could see this working as a fall back to when Alexis isn't playing one off shows. We hope to see more come out of this and hope to see a more structured album next time.  Not bad all in all. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hardcore/Punk/Doom Metal
Date: March 8th, 2015
Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Label: New Damage Records