Kottin Trip - Down E.P.

1. Down

2. Fade Away

3. Bond Of Union

Kottin Trip have released their debut album titled "Down E.P." This album shows the band riding the line between Nu-Metal and Hard Rock. They have a similar sound to that of a Coal Chamber or or like earlier more raw Korn. If you like those bands, you could like this album. These guys have done an alright job here on this album. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty raw, dirty and grungy sound. This seems pretty deliberate to get the style for the sound they are going for. With the instrumentation here, the album has pretty standard playing on it. There isn't really anything thats going to make you turn your head here, but these guys can play. Not bad.

Not onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album seem to be pretty average as a whole here. Now the thing with this style, the vocals were not meant to be super musical or sound like this amazing singer is singing it. They do get the job done and he can sing, thats what matters. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about struggle, loss and relationships. These seem to be the standard subjects that the genre are known for. These lyrics hit the target audience pretty well. They have done a pretty good job here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one. We suggest listening to "Bond Of Union". This songs sounds a lot like Korn and shows you the best of this album.

Kottin Trip have made a three song E.P. that shows off the ideas and things the band wants to do in their music. This really sounds like three different styles on each song. We hope that with the next release we get more of a direct path in the music, and they decide on a specific sound. This isn't bad and you can see they have the makings of something here. We can't wait to see what they come up with next, and if it follows more of a distinct sound. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits. R.I.P. 

Genre: Rock/Nu-Metal/Hard Rock

Release Date: 2000

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Pat Maloney - Root Rot

1. Good In The Woods

2. Monstera Deliciosa

3. Bruce County Power Trip

4. Move Along

5. Blood On The Mat

6. Jump The Fence

7. Chalice Of The Queen

8. Thanks For Everything

Pat Maloney has released his debut album titled "Root Rot." This album shows the artist in a very folky, narrator sound and style to his music. These songs seem to have a bit of a comical feel to them as well. Pat has a pretty unique sound, and it's hard to find anyone who is quite like him. We however feel like if Fred Penner wrote grown up songs, he'd probably be Pat. He has done a pretty good job on this album.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty solid level. Although it doesn't sound super clear and crisp, it still has a good sound, and you can hear everything. The vocals seem to be over top of the music, so that helps hearing all the lyrics. With the instrumentation, Pat just plays. This album doesn't really have anything here thats going to wow you, or impress you. His playing just works for the style he is playing, but it is pretty basic. Pat can play, you can tell that, just nothing to turn a head.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics. The vocals on this album are pretty decent. He has a unique, kinda quirky way of singing his songs here. Pat can certainly sing, and he does a good job on the album, but there isn't really a wow moment. Pretty decent job though. With the lyrics, Pat goes for songs that are more stories that people can relate to. He has a very honest and regular way of bringing his music to the average person. He has songs about getting into a fight, getting a job and getting out of debt, Canadiana, and more. As touched on before, these are things that the regular listener can relate to, and probably have the same experiences. We feel that he really gets his audience and knows how to connect them. All in all, great job here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, but we really liked Blood On The Mat, so we suggest that one. You can pick your own song and either will give you an idea of this album and Pat Monley's music.

Pat has released his debut album Root Rot, and it really shows off what he wants the listener to know about him and gives a dive into him and his music. This album also gives him something to go out and play. We found that this music wasn't quite something that fits with our tastes and had too much quirkiness to it, but that doesn't mean you won't like it. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Folk/Singer-Songwriter/Acoustic

Release Date: 2013

Location: London, Ontario

Website: http://www.patmaloney.ca

Label: None

.50 - Peacemaker

1. Another Ride

2. Wastes Away

3. Anthem

4. Lift

5. Serenity

.50 have released their debut record titled "Peacemaker." This albums shows the band in that sort of butt rock style and has a bar band feel to it. These guys have a similar style to that of bands like Saliva, Puddle Of Mudd or a High Holy Days, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. This isn't too bad actually, we honestly thought it would sound worse. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well. Being the album was done by some of the best  music people in the area, it's no surprise that it sounds really good. The instrumentation isn't bad here either, you do get hints of the band being able to really play, and honestly, you don't expect that to come. All in all, not bad.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are really lifted and he tries to belt them out while singing. He is nice and clear so you can hear just what he is singing about, which is good for people to get your messages. We do think that at times it is a bit overdone but not to where it kills the whole record. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being inspired to be better, having someone tell you they've changed and telling them so what, relationships and more. This is pretty typical for this style of music, so it's something fans can get into. We wish it was a little less generic, but not bad for what it is. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, but we think you should check out the song " Wastes Away" as it was our favourite of the album. It will give you an idea of the whole album.

.50 have made a traditional rock record that has its' clichés, but we think its not bad anyways. The album gives the band a foundation, and will help them to have something to show off live. Personally we wern't a fan of it, but that doesn't mean you won't be, so give it a listen to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.) 

Genre: Alternative/Adult Alternative/Rock

Release Date: 2002

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Legal Kill - Volume 1

1. Fucked Up

2. Sick Of You

3. Fight

4. Ghost (Live)

Legal Kill have released their debut album titled "Volume 1" This album consists of three studio tracks and one live performance to presumably let you hear both sides of the band. These guys have a dirty punk and classic rock sort of sound, which is something bands seem to be doing lately. They have a similar sound to bands like The Dirty Nil, Crown Lands, and even a Wolfmother, so if you like these artists, you could like this album. They have done a good job.

With the recording quality the band has recorded this album to a pretty decent quality. These guys have songs that sound pretty decent, and the quality here really gives them something to build from and have a good foundation. The instrumentation here is done really well. The guitar on this album is something you don't really see too often from a younger, lesser known band. They have done well in this part of the album.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album have a pretty specific style to them. Unfortunately this seems to be exactly the way those dirty rocker dudes from the 80's sing like. It has a genericness to it, but don't confuse this with being bad, the vocalist can certainly sing. You can also tell pretty much what he is saying, so thats great. The one thing would be to get the vocals a little louder. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being a rocker and partying like them, leaving someone, fighting for things, and more. These are quite generic for a band in the rock genre to sing about. We would of liked to see more of the band in the lyrics as opposed to what they think they should sing about, but its good for a debut.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so we would say to pick one of the three studio tracks, to get the full idea of what the band is like.

Legal Kill have made a debut album that lets you know what the band is about, and gives them a base to build the band. They have done a decent job all in all on this album, and it will be cool to see what they do next. We do like this album, but we feel you should listen to it for yourself to decide if you like it or not. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Rock/Alternative/Classic Rock

Release Date: July 28th, 2017

Location: London, Ontario

Label: Not On Label

Heavy Gloom - If I Don't Wake Up In Your Bed

1. Sunday

2. I Hate You

3. Barricades

4. This Room Collapsing

Heavy Gloom have released their debut album titled "If I Don't Wake Up In Your Bed." This album shows the band in a Lo-Fi sort of sound here. This album sounds very down and depressing bedroom rock almost. They have a similar sound to that of Into It. Over It, The Replacements or even a Teenage Wrist, so if you like those artists, this album could be for you. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded in quite a raw and hard to hear vibe to it. This has quite the DIY, recorded by yourself feel to it, and sometimes that just doesn't quite work. Some work on getting things a little louder and clearer would help. The instrumentation on here is obviously pretty basic, but you can see the band were going more for an emotion from the listener rather than highlighting skill. They can play though.

Not onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty hard to hear, you have to really focus in to hear just what he is saying. He can sing though, and if you listen in, you will be able to tell that. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being sad and depressed, relationships, and life just falling apart. This feels like it is something a lot of younger people can understand and relate to. We feel the lyrics are the best part here.

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 this album. 

Heavy Gloom have made a debut album that shows you just what sound and style the band is going for. They have made a pretty basic effort here and we hope to see more from this band so we can get a better picture of what they can do. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Indie/Lo-Fi/Alternative

Release Date: April 29th, 2016

Location: London, Ontario

Label: Remedy Music

Crush Luther - Some People Have No Good To Give

1. A Light

2. Daisy

3. Oh No Not Me

4. Cute Like The Movies

5. The Scratch

6. Sandbox

7. Gospel Music

8. 28

9. I Was Electric

10. Everybody Dies

11. We Are Kings

12. Makes You Weak

Crush Luther Have released their third album titled " Some People Have No Good To Give". This album pretty much follows the same sound and style of the bands last two albums. Unfortunately with this album, it just doesn't really have a standout track like the last album did. They have a chill rock sound to them that gives off a bit more of an adult alternative sound. They have done a pretty good job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, it has been recorded quite well. As with Crush Luther albums, they always sound really good. The instrumentation here isn't really anything to turn a head at, but the band can certainly play, and they play good old straight rock music. There are hints of flash here and there. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics. The vocals on this album are done quite well. Luther has a very soft spoken musical voice, and it really gives you a nice smooth sound to the songs. These songs are certainly sung very clear and you can get just what they are singing about. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being there for your son, life at a certain age, facing death, looking back on life, and just life in general. The lyrics really have a meaning and a story to them. This is the part of the band that they really look at and spend their time to give you stories. We think they are done really well. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "A Light" your attention because the lyrics are really meaningful and it really shows what this album is like. It is definitely a stand out on the album.

Crush Luther has made an album that follows their sound. We are not quite into their sound or style, but they are a good band, and the lyrics really speak and have meaning you can understand and feel. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Alternative/Rock/Pop

Release Date: September 29th, 2009

Location: London, Ontario
Website: http://www.crushluther.com

Label: High 4 Records

The Standstills - EP

1. Let Me Go

2. Blind

3. Underneath My Skin

4. The Cure

5. One Mile To Home

The Standstills have released their debut EP, which has aptly been titled "EP".  This album shows the duo in an alternative rock way, while having a bit of a twangy sound to their rock. They have a sound thats a little hard to really get into at first listen, as that country ting throws rock fans off. These guys have a similar sound to that of The Lazys or One Bad Son, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have done a pretty solid job here. With the recording on this album, the album has been recorded really well. It has a nice clear sound, while having just enough of a touch to show it could be a first album. Really nicely record and sounds great. The instrumentation is pretty solid once you know it's only a duo making this noise. This album has nothing musically that will blow you away, just good old hard rocking music.  Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are quite good. He has a nice loud and forceful voice, that really conveys power, while still being clear and on point. You can certainly hear what they are singing about, and definitely goes well for radio. With the lyrics, the band has gone for songs about going through rough times with a significant other, relationships, being lost and more. These songs can be related to, if you can get the meaning. They are more songs to rock to, but also have something behind them. We think people can feel with these songs. Not bad all in all. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so we suggest giving the first track "Let Me Go" your attention, as this song is very powerful and shows what this band is all about.  The Standstills have made a debut album that really sets the standard high, while giving you an idea of what the band is like. After hearing this album, we feel this band can certainly make it, and we can't wait to hear whats next for them. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of this solid duo.

Genre: Rock/Alternative

Release Date: 2009

Location: London, Ontario
Website: https://www.thestandstills.com/

Label: None

The Raspberry Heaven - When Everything Was Tropical/Halloween Like Wrinkled Magazines

1. When Everything Was Tropical

2. Halloween Like Wrinkled Magazines

The Raspberry Heaven have released a two song EP as their next effort of new music. This effort is very emo acoustic in it's sound. He is a solo artist so this is pretty minimalistic. The Raspberry Heaven has a similar sound to that of a Front Porch Step or a SayWeCanFly, so if you are into either of those artists, you could like these two songs. He has done an alright job here. When looking at the recording quality of the two songs, they sound really low and he seems far away from the mic when singing. If he could get louder and a little more polished, we feel it could help it out more. . With the instrumentation, Michael Handsford has made a pretty standard album. There isn't really anything here to make you take notice, but there is a base to start. He can play, but random drum tracks just didn't go at all with the emo flavor of his song. Now onto the vocals and lyrics. With the song everything was tropical, it has a bit of a weird lyrical content to it, but listening to it, you get the feel it's about someone breaking up with another. It feels like one is done with the other, and these are the words for them. On Halloween Like Wrinkled Magazines, it sounds like he is again singing about someone who once meant something to him, but now it's over. Unfortunately this song is too quiet to get the exact words from it. If you are looking for a single to this album, just listen to both songs, it's only two and they give you an idea of what this artist is about. The Raspberry Heaven have made two songs that just sound really emo and downers. This does give him a little more to go off of in live settings, which probably help the songs more. We aren't really sure what is new here or anything different Michael brings, but it's only the second release, and we are interested to see what this could evolve into. Listen to these two songs to decide for yourself what you think of them. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Acoustic/Rock/Punk

Release Date: June 13th, 2012

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Strange Ways - Demo

1. Intro

2. Fade Away

3. Height Of Hubris

4. Stranger Days

5. Slip Of The Tongue

Strange Ways have released their debut album, which is just simply titled "Demo". The band takes it back with an old school punk and grunge sound. They have a sound that we would consider like a Moterhead and Barnburner mixed together, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. The instrumentation on this album is quite decent. Their guitarist is pretty talented, and can play quite well. Now it isn't going to be like those progressive bands, but it is still pretty solid playing overall. This record is rough and distorted all over the place, but we feel this is intentional so that it gives off a raw feeling to the album. Let's talk about the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't the best, but they are pretty clear and you can hear what he is singing about. With a little more practice, a clearer recording, and being this is a demo, this could improve. We look forward to that with the next release. With the lyrics, the band seems to be singing more aggressive songs about another person, and how they have interacted together. This seems to be the typical thing a lot of younger bands sing about. With their sound, we didn't quite expect this to be the lyrical content, but hey, it is a first release. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just give the whole album a listen, as it's only five songs, and they aren't that long. This way you will have an idea of the band. Strange Ways have made an album that gives you an intro into the band and how they sound. They have made four songs (and an intro) to get you into the band, and it's not bad. We look forward to seeing what is next for the band. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. 

Genre: Grunge/Punk/Garage Rock

Release Date: March 23rd, 2016

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Wind Cries Mary - Wind Cries Mary

1. Lead Me Astray

2. Conceiving A Kingdom

3. Splitting Skin

4. Monotony

Wind Cries Mary have released their third album, which happens to be self-titled. This album seems to bring the heat, compared to their previous efforts. We are certainly happy to hear the evolution of this band. They have a similar sound to that of an Upon A Burning Body or a Fit For An Autopsy, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a solid job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, this album certainly seems to have the best recording of any of the bands albums for sure. You can hear everything pretty clearly, and it's a nice recording. The instrumentation on the album is better than you would expect from a fairly unknown band. These guys can certainly play, and play well, we give solid props to the band for that. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals the scream can certainly scream. He has a scream that you can still basically understand everything he says, which helps out quite a lot. We feel the screams have progressed over the 3 albums and this is the best it's been so far. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being broken from someone you've given chances to, having life hold you down and get to you, being attracted to something you know is toxic for you, and getting back up from everything. We feel that these are things that people can relate to, and especially the people who listen to this band. The fans will connect with these songs for sure. We like them and think they have done a solid job. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so we suggest "Splitting Skin" as the song to listen to because we feel it hits the hardest. All in all Wind Cries Mary have made an album that gives them more repertoire to play live and gives you a heavier, fuller sound to rock to. With these four songs, we can't wait to see what this leads to, and hear a full account of the band in it's current state. Solid album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore/Metal

Release Date: June 10th, 2015

Location: Parkhill, Ontario

Label: None

As Heads Is Tails - Infinite

1. Infinite

2. Haunted Heavens

3. The Tragedy

4. The Reprisal

5. The Cost

6. Paranoia

As Heads Is Tails have released their debut album titled "Infinite." This album shows the band in a pretty typical metalcore styled band. These guys have a sound that is pretty reminiscent of the band Skynet or The Parallel, so if you like either of those bands, you could 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 a fairly decent standard, it just seems to have a sound or something, that is missing, from making it a signed band studio quality album. The instrumentation on the album is pretty solid overall. It has a bit of showing off with the guitar work, and double kick, but it could use a little more to give it just one notch higher. These guys can play for sure though. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the screams on this album are not bad at all. We certainly like them,but when it comes to the sung vocals by the secondary singer, they are lacking. This is a trend we see quite a bit with bands, where the second singer, who is usually a guitarist, can't quite bring it like the vocalist, which brings down the overall package of the album just a bit. Other than that, these guys can sing. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about death, being vengeful against someone or something, burning bridges and more. This seems more like a hateful pent up anger in the lyrics. We don't feel that a ton of people can relate to those lyrics, but it also fits within the genre of music they are targeting. We don't think they have done to bad on them. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Haunted Heavens" your attention, as this is the best song on the album, and best represents the album as a whole. As Heads Is Tails have made and album that really shows you how they want to be as a band, and a base to grow from. This is not bad at all for a first album, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. Oh yeah, and leave the song fades at home.

Genre:Metal/Metalcore/Post-Hardcore

Release Date: August 21st, 2018

Location: London, Ontario
Website: http://www.asheadsistails.ca/

Label: None

The Healing - Elevate

1. First Light

2. Aether Eyes

3. Descend

4. Embers

5. Afterglow

6. Revenent

7. Esoteric

The Healing have released their second album titled "Elevate." This album follows along with the same sound and style the band debuted with on their previous album. These guys have a very progressive metalcore feel on this album and its solid right at the start. These guys have a sound that is closely related to bands like Northlane, Born Of Osiris or Within The Ruins, so if you are into that sort of landscape feeling metalcore, than you could really like this album. They have done a solid job here. When looking at the recording quality of the album, this album has a really top notch sound and quality to it. The album is quite crisp and the tones just grab you. This album also has really decent instrumentation on it. These guys have made sure that the band is doing what the can musically to hit it top notch.  These guys can certainly play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad either, the singer can for sure scream, and it doesn't sound strained or anything. He can scream while still being pretty clear for the most part, and the backing vocals really nice cleans. With the lyrics, the band is singing about finding the good in things, maximizing every moment, relationships, and many ocean/stars/skies references. A lot of bands use the stars and ocean references in their music, which isn't anything new, but at least the band is trying, and everything else have more of a solid, real feel to it, so we can't really fault them. Not everything can be perfect. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so we suggest listening to "Descend" as that is our favourite song on the album, and gives you a good idea of the rest of the album. The Healing have made a solid album here and it really gives the band a more legit, cementing feel to them as it shows they can pull it off more than just the once. We just hope the band gets out there and tours more, as people need to hear this. Solid effort from the guys and we can't wait to see what is next. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Metalcore/Progressive/Deathcore

Release Date: May 15th, 2016

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None