Of The First Born Son - Of The First Born Son

1. The Attack Of Dr. Robotnik

2. This Could Be A Drug

3. You Can't 2-Step In A Wheelchair

4. Paper Caskets

5. Playing Dodgeball With A Shotgun

Of The First Born Son have released their debut self-titled album. These guys have a very typical heavy core band feel to them. They have a similar sound to that of a band like Attila, Abacabb, and early All That Remains, so if you like bands like this, you could like this album. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright quality. It has some rough points, and the production as a whole could be a little clearer and more crisp, but it does give a certain metal vibe with it. The instrumentation here isn't bad either. they do show off their ability to shred and play guitar through the album. These guys can certainly play, and its showcased here. Not bad in all.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty good, They are more just deep screams, but the vocalist seems to be able to accomplish them. If you listen closely to the singer, you can make out most of what he is saying, so thats awesome he is clear enough to get the meaning of the songs out. He does need some work on his technique, but for a first album, this is good. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs that are stereotypical in metal. They talk about hate, relationships, and more. These lyrics don't really attach to the listener or really do anything in the meaning category, but they do give off a vibe and a feel that makes the music enjoyable. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen. We particularly like "You Can't 2-Step in a Wheelchair" so give them a listen so you get the idea of this band.

Of The First Born Son have released an album that shows off the style and sound of the band. This also gives them a base for people to get into them and something to start playing shows off of. They have done an alright job for a debut album, There are a few things that need to be fixed, but as a fist album we like it. We also can't wait to see what they do on the next one. Give these guys credit and listen to this album for yourself to decide weather you like it or not. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metal/Post-Hardcore/Metalcore

Release Date: November 6th, 2007

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: Year Of The Sun Records

Courage My Love - Spirit Animal

1. Breathing Room

2. Interlude

3. I Don't Even Wanna Know

4. Do As You're Told

Courage My Love have released their album "Spirit Animal." This album was a limited edition album available only for Warped Tour. This album has the feel of their previous EP, and continues with that signature Courage My Love sound the band has established. The band has a sound that isn't very similar to others, having that female pop punk sound with breakdowns and heavy parts. This is what sets them aside from other bands. They have done a really good job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a very respectable level. They have done a solid job to bring out an album that is mostly just for the fans. The instrumentation here, isn't bad either, these guys can play. Nothing too major will turn your head, but they play good solid music. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on here are very crisp and clear. Mercedes can certainly sing, and she with great pitch, and passion. All in, all, they do a great job on the  vocals. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about needing time away from certain people, being in a relationship where you only want to find the worst in them and expose it, being curious if someone still thinks of you and more. This album feels more like an album of a relationship going sour. We have all been there and felt this, but not sure if we have in the same way the vocalist has. This is an album people can relate to though, and that helps.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Do As You're Told" your attention, as this is the stand out track, and really has the CML sound. Courage My Love have made an album that follows their sound and style, while updating it to a more refined version of that. This gives us an idea of what way the band is leading to in the future and something to look forward to. We thing the band has done a really good job here, except interlude, but those are never really proper songs anyways. Good job. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Pop-Punk/Rock/Pop

Release Date: 2014

Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Website: http://www.ilovecouragemylove.com/
Label: Homeskool Prom Records

Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck - Branches

1. American Homes

2. Branches

Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck have put out their second release. This one consists of two songs and they have decided to name it "Branches." This album has a very raw and scratchy vocal style on it, giving it more of an indie feel. They have a similar sound to that of Junior Battles or an Attack In Black. If you like these bands, you could like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a fairly decent standard. You can hear everything clearly, but still has that rawness to make it feel genuine. The instrumentation here isn't really something you are going to take much notice in, but the band can certainly play. These guys hit right in the middle, where you want them to be, with the playing. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals on these two songs are raw, grungy and deep, but this is the style the singer is going for. This does not hinder the ability to make out what he is singing about. His vocals are pretty clear and you can understand them for sure. Overall, not bad. In the lyrics for American Homes, the band seems to go for a story of the earlier days of the 1900's where people were trying to do just what their parents wanted, but also have that doubt and wishing they could do their own thing or path. While Branches seems to be a song about two people who loved each other, or are friends, but afraid to see what would happen if they became something more. Both of these songs have a more mature feel to them in the lyrics, but also really have a solid message within. If you are looking for a single here, just listen to both songs, and you'll know what this is about. Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck have released these two songs, which finally give their fans something more, and add to their rare show catalog. We think they have done a pretty decent job here and hope to see more from this band. Listen to these two songs to decide for yourself what you think about them. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Indie/Punk/Rock

Release Date: December 14th, 2010

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: Dine Alone Records

Romancer - Honeybee

1. Still (Eden)

2. Nausicaa

3. Milo And Pink Regret

4. Purple

5. Stop Motion

6. Sleep

Romancer have released their second album titled "Honeybee." This album follows the same style and sound that the band came up with on their previous album. They have an ambient Emo feel that is very unique but confusing at the same time. This band has a sound that is really all their own, they go from slow to fast and slow all within one song. We like the fact the band doesn't really sound like anyone. They have done a pretty good job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded quite well, while still having an underground band feel to it. The instrumentation is quite good for all the changes the band does. These guys can certainly play and do it well. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are something more of a soft, soothing sound to them, but he can also bring it when the tempo changes and belt out some strong vocals. He can certainly sing, and they are all very clear lyrics. Great job overall. With the lyrics, the band goes for very real and honest subjects, these song have a way of being vague and hard to really get the meaning out of the songs, but they tend to make you focus more on the songs this way. The song Still talks about how are parents are getting older and if we still have time with them. this is a subject a lot of people are facing now in the age demographic for this band Solid job on these lyrics. If you are looking for a single to this album, the band has decided to make "Nausicaa" a single, so give it a listen to get the feel of this album. Romancer have made their second album quite similar to the previous one, and it really shows how the band is making a more mature style of this genre . The band also likes to play shows quite a bit, so they are getting out there and grabbing fans as they go. Solid job on the album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of this album.

Genre: Pop Punk/Emo/Ambient

Release Date: November 24th, 2017

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Website: http://www.romancerband.com/

Label: None

Exalt - Breach False Minds

1. Loss/Rejoice

2. Misled

3. Warmth & Winter

4. Partisan Eyes

5. Empty Dreamer/Frail As Feathers

6. No Son

7. Serpents At My Feet

8. Onward

9. Pray For Release

10. Rejoice/Loss

Exalt have released their debut album titled "Breach False Minds."This album is one that shows the band really going for that heavy, grimy, hardcore and trying to get as much fast, heavy music they can into the songs. They have a similar sound to that of Old Wounds or Code Orange, so if you like those artists, you could like this band. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album could use a little work to get louder and have the vocals more upfront, but not bad for a debut. The instrumentation on this album is nothing that will blow you away, but it is solid and they can play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals here and not too bad, the guy can certainly scream and scream well. He has a brutal voice and it goes hand in hand with the music. His vocals are a little hard to understand but we think that is the record quality more than anything. We like it. With the lyrics, the band has gone the route of having messages about hard times, being misled, loss and just being overall frustrated with things. These are issues many of us face and it is good to hear we aren't alone. They have done a pretty solid job on the lyrics and we like it. If you are looking for a single to this album, we suggest "Misled" as it was on the split album as well. Exalt has made a debut album that shows what this band is all about and gives you a chance to see their potential. This band could really make something here, as long as they continue on this path and get a little better recording. Now lets just seem them everywhere. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hardcore/Metal/Punk

Release Date: February 14th, 2012
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Website: http://www.exaltband.com

Label: Feast Or Famine Recordings

Romancer - As We Both Close In On The Water

1. Lottery

2. 8315

3. Birds In Smoke

4. Wilted

5. Ether Dome

6. Wax Light

7. Columbia Lake

8. Fireworks

9. At Last, At Ease

10. Bad Clover

Romancer have released their debut album titled "As We Both Close In On The Water." This album shows the band doing a newer style of Pop Punk, with that sloppy yet ambient spin they have decided to add to their music. This album has a similar sound to that of Brand New and Neck Deep, so if you are into both of those bands, you could like this album. The guys have done a really nice job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded quite well, while still managing to keep their raw pop punk sound intact. The instrumentation on the album is not bad, the band can play, and they mix it up a bit with the fast and more melodic songs. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals are done fairly well, their singer can sing and he has a nice voice that can go from singing to screaming with ease. fairly good overall here. With the lyrics, the band seems to hit topics of living life, relationships weather it with the opposite sex, friends or family. They also sing about the struggles, good times and memories of what life gives you. Their lyrics are not quite as direct as other bands go but it really makes you listen and absorb the songs. If you are looking for a single on this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. Romancer have made a fairly decent album that is nice to hear. The band is also getting out there a bit so hopefully they will continue to grow.Good job and we can't wait to hear more. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Pop Punk/Emo/Ambient

Release Date: June 10th, 2016

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Website: http://www.romancerband.com/

Label: None

This Setting Sun - The Compromise

1. Saving JP
2. Stephan Hawking Knows Best
3. Friends In Falsetto

This Setting Sun have released their debut album titled "The Compromise." This album is very typical of the early 2010's Hardcore and metal scene that was growing up then. This band is similar to that of a Means or a Suicide Silence, so if you are into those bands, you could like this album. They have done an okay job on it. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an okay level, but you can really tell that there is work to be done here. The bands instrumentation is pretty average as twell.Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals in this band are pretty good. The screamer can really scream and if you know them, the screamer has a bit of a Drag The Lake feel to him. On the other side, the sung background vocals could use a bunch of work, its a start but much work is needed to be done there. With the lyrics, they are okay but again need some work as they are pretty typical lyrics about friends, angry feelings and the bands struggles. Maybe a little more venture in the lyrics could be a big help to these guys. 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. This Setting Sun have an alright start for a debut album. It lets you know what direction of music the band wants to go and you get a bit of understanding for the band. Hopefully with a bit of progression and tweaking along with a better recording, this could go further. Some potential there. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.) 

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Hardcore/Deathcore

Release Date: 2011
Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: None

Courage My Love - For Now (Acoustic Sessions)

1. Smoke And Mirrors
3. The River
4. For Now
5. Bridges
6. Anchors Make Good Shoes (If You Have Issues)
7. Disappear

Courage My Love have released an acoustic version of their debut album titled "For Now (Acoustic Sessions)" This album has every song from their debut stripped down and played acoustically. This album has been done very well and it has a nice big sound to it for being an acoustic record. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well and it really gets big in your ears. The band has actually done a better, and have a more fuller sound with this acoustic album, the instrumentation is pretty decent. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are really highlighted. Both of the ladies who sing for this band are showing off their voices perfectly on this version of the album. Now the lyrics, they are more the centre of focus with this album, and they really come out well. You can just focus on the words and hear just what they are saying and they are really quite good, while telling their story. 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 this album. Courage My Love have done a great job on this album and it is really nice to hear these song with a different spin put on them. This album really shows off the talent of this band and makes it good to listen for anyone. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of this album.

Genre: Pop - Punk/Acoustic/Rock

Release Date: July 3rd, 2012

Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Website: http://www.ilovecouragemylove.com/
Label: Homeskool Prom Records

Bass Lions - Bass Lions

1. We Got Guts
2. Arm Over Arm
3. Body Doubles
4. Flame-Faced Children
5. Be Your Man

Bass Lions have released their third album titled "Bass Lions." This album actually has eleven songs on it, but the rest of the songs are in fact the album "...Is Diamonds." so just go download that if you want all eleven songs. This album still has the same feel as their last album and is extension of their signature sound. They have done a good job on making this album, but look to a Arkells if you are looking for a band to compare the sound to. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the band has done a pretty decent job on this one. Their instrumentation is also pretty good here to give it the big indie sound. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals sound really good and you can clearly hear the singer when he sings, he has a nice voice, but as far as the lyrics, they could use a little more work to get a more meaningful lyric and story to the songs. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Body Doubles" your attention, as this is the best song on the album and gives you an idea of how the rest of the album sounds. Bass Lions have made an album that really shows off their style and version of an 80's electro indie, while still being light and having calming vocals. Bass Lions have an album here that really steps everything up and could give them a bigger platform possibly. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. We like it.

Genre: Indie/Rock/Folk

Release Date: October 28th, 2014

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: None

Breaching Vista - Vera City

1. We Are The Way
2. Sleep
3. Nervous
4. Forgive You
5. Give Me A Reason
6. Tonight
7. Reverie
8. Run With The Punches
9. W5
10. Wrath Of Nyre
11. Goodbye, So Long
12. Letters
13. Little Thoughts

Breaching Vista's second album "Vera City" is an album that really solidifies the sound that the band is going for. If you heard their last album, this one is pretty similar in how they both sound, this one just seems to have more layers to it. The band has done a good job on their alternative sound. When looking at the recording quality of the album, the album has been recorded quite well. The instrumentation on this album is decent, but it could be better, it;s solid with nothing that really jumps out at you. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals work pretty well here on the album, the singer can sing and he sounds pretty good. With the lyrics, they could use a little work here, although they have a pretty good story to them as well. If you are looking for a single for this album, give the song "Nervous" your attention as it is the best song on the album and it shows the melt between the softer and harder rock the band is able to do on this album. Breaching Vista have made their debut full length album one that really shows what the band is about. The band has expanded on their sound and made something enjoyable to listen to. We hope that now the band gets out there and plays more shows while progressing in their style. Good job. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Alternative

Release Date: March 11th, 2011

Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Website: http://www.breachingvista.com/

Label: Engineer Records (UK)

This City, Divided - Withstanding The Frontlines

1. Withstand The Frontlines

2. By The Riverside

3. The Prototype

4. The Art Of War

This City, Divided have released their debut album titled "Withstanding The Frontlines. This album shows a band that goes full out on their deathcore sound while still being able to appeal to regular metal and hardcore fans. Think of this band along the lines of a Chelsea Grin, so if you like them, you should like this band. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded alright but could still use some work to make the overall sound better as a whole. The instrumentation on this album seems to be pretty average as well here. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the screams seem to be a little forced and weak in places. The vocals on this album could of been better as well, adding more meaning and meaningful lyrics to get the message they are send out better. This City, Divided have done an alright job on their debut album which introduces you to the band. Our hope is that the band works on their craft a bit more to progress into something a little more complex and a bit more their own style. We also hope the band plays more to get the name out. Lets see what comes out next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Deathcore/Metalcore/Metal

Release Date: 2009

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: None