Crown Lands - Mantra

1. Being Right

2. Mantra

3. Sweet Avalon

4. One Good Reason

5. Scott Fitzgerald

Crown Lands have released their debut album titled "Mantra". This album shows off the band in a very old school rock way. These guys sound like they just came out of the 70's with their sound and style. We would say this band has a similar sound to that of Led Zeppelin, Rush and even Black Sabbath at times, so if you like those artists, you could really like this band. They have done a pretty good job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded with the 70's in mind. In that, saying that the songs don't have everything crisply recorded, or to an over produced quality. This helps with the sound they are trying to get to. The instrumentation here, is really good considering the band is just a duo. These guys can certainly play, and when you find out it's just two members, it totally changes things. On top, the guitarist can really play, and you hear some decent drumming as well.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done quite well. Their singer can sing, and his talent is showcased all over thew songs on this album. You can hear the holding of notes and being in tune while he belts out parts of the songs. Very well done vocals. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs that are a little out there with having to struggle with yourself, relationships calling you out, hippy and being with earth, and more. These songs are a little more in the style of a band from the time period this band is trying to feel as. They have done a good job in getting these songs to appeal to a classic rock fan.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the title song "Mantra" your attention, as it is the best song on the album, and it really encapsulates what the band is trying to do with the music.

Crown Lands have released their debut album and this one really shows you what the band wants to sound like and where they want to take their music. Now unfortunately there is nothing new here, since they are throwing it back to an older time, but they do a great job at it. We think there is a market here, and yes, people who don't embrace older music, will not be into this. This still sounds good, and will generate interest for sure. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/ Rock & Roll

Release Date: 2016

Location: Oshawa, Ontario

Website: http://www.crownlandsmusic.com/

Label: None

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

Last Bullet - 80-69-64

1. Sin
2. Gimmie Time
3. Bright Lights
4. Southern Lips
5. Smoke & Ashes
6. Little Miss Filthy

Last Bullet have released their third album titled "80-69-64." This album follows along the same sound and style the band created on their last album. This one took quite awhile to come out, so we are happy to see that the band has new music to give all their fans. They have a sound that is quite the classic hard rock feel, with such bands as A7X and My Darkest Days are bands that are similar to the music these guys create. They have done an alright job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent standard here. The instrumentation on the album is not too bad, the band has really put that mix of older and newer rock into their music. They are able to play decently and add the solos in every so often. Not bad overall. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent, the vocalist has that bit of raspy older rock voice. He is clear for the most part so you can hear what he is saying and he really tries for that rock style in his vocals. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs that are the most dirty rock topics and songs you can think of. The band goes for songs about girls, doing bad things and living the rock & roll style. These are very typical for a band like this to sing about. We would love to see the band use their platform to sing a little bit more about real things the listener can connect with, but sometimes the listener needs an escape too. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Sin" your attention as it is the best song on the album and really gives you a good idea of how the rest of the album is. Last Bullet's third album is one that really shows you how the band has progressed from their first album to now. They have a classic and new rock sound that seems to work. The only t hing now is for this band to actually get out there more and have people hear this music, that is the big thing for this band. Not bad all in all. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of this album. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Rock/Hard Rock/Classic Rock
Release Date: July 14th, 2017
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://LastBulletMusic.com/
Label: None

The Beaches - Heights

1. Strangelove

2. Little Pieces

3. Zsa Zsa

4. The Dance

5. Hey I Love You

The Beaches have released their second album "Heights." This album follows along the same lines as their previous effort. They continue their classic rock and indie vibe that they have decided to go with since the name change. Their mix of Janis Joplin and Metric is a combo that really seems to work well. If you are into either of those artists, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty decent job on it here. When looking at the recording quality of this music, the album has been recorded to a very solid standard. These songs have a great sound and is clear without loosing the classic rock edge. The instrumentation on this album is pretty solid for such a young band. These girls can certainly play and have the old rock in their fingers. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done quite well. You can hear the vocalist very clearly, but unfortunately unlike their previous album, this one seems to have a little bit of a weirder vocal style then the last one. Something about this album and the vocal style just seem to go a little more into left field of classic rock. She can certainly sing and the harmonies are on point though, good job overall. With the lyrics, the band goes for again a little off kilter on the lyrics as well. This album has a feel of being a little too experimental. They do in a different way talk about things like relationships etc. in their songs here though. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Strangelove" your attention as it is the one that is the most "normal" on the album and is the only catchy song on this album as well. The Beaches have for sure gone in a bit of a different direction, and for that we give them credit. The band certainly has the talent and we can't wait to see these girls get recognized for it. We do hope however that they go for a more traditional classic rock/indie sound with their next album and they tour around a little more. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Indie

Release Date: May 6th, 2014

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://www.thebeachesband.com/

Label: KingNoise Records

Freeways - Cold Front

1. One For The Road

2. Cold Front

3. New Drag City

Freeways have released their debut album titled "Cold Front." This album is one that has that mix of hard rock and classic rock which seems to be popular right now. These guys have a similar sound to that of Monster Truck or even The Sword, that type of music. It is interesting to see bands try to straddle this line. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright standard. It is a bit grainy and has a lower quality sound, but it helps with the older rock style they are going for. The instrumentation is alright as well, the band can certainly play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals here are done well. They are nice and clear, while still being a little bit of that old style to fit in with everything the band is going for. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about saying things to someone before they leave for awhile, not waiting till things are too late, act on it, and relationships. These are things people can get behind at times, so we think these lyrics really work. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song or listen to the whole album, as it is only three songs, then you will get the feel of the album. Freeways have made a debut album that really shows the band and what they are trying to do. They have that classic rock sound that is becoming popular again and they have the talent. We hope to see more soon. Hopefully the band can get out more some people can get turned on to them. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hard Rock/Classic Rock/Metal

Release Date: September 4th, 2017

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Label: None

Biblical - Biblical

1. Nickels & Dimes

2. Under Duress

3. Eyes Of Lies

4. Oubliette

Biblical have released their debut album which is self titled. This album has a weird mix of genres to it. These guys have a rock sound that is fast and punky like 80's punk and together the combination make what Biblical is. They sound like a mix of a Motorhead and in some songs a Black Flag came together, so if you like that, you could like this band. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the recording quality could use some work here. I do however think the sound is intentional so they sound like a 60's band witch is kind of cool. The instrumentation on this album is quite impressive actually, they have the talent to rock just like a 60's band. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are quite impressive, as the singer can really belt it out just like the 60's bands. He has a great range and he can sing really high as well. We really like this. With the lyrics, the band goes for messages of being betrayed by the opposite sex in relationships. They really seem to hit that anger of people trying to screw you over and not being fair with you in a relationship. We think a lot of people have had that and can relate to this. Hopefully this was a release for the band as well. 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. Biblical have made a debut, sort of welcome to album that really shows off the band in wanting to be more of a throwback band. They do a really good job of it and we can't wait to see what they come up with next. Hopefully they get out more. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Metal

Release Date: June 15th, 2011

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://www.biblicalband.com/

Label: None

The Sweet Mack - Zoe

1. Zoe

2. Ladycat

3. Over Achiever

The Sweet Mack have released their second album which happened to be released as a 7". The album is titled "Zoe." This album shows off the band in a similar way in style and sound as their previous album. They have a very groovy indie feel to them. This album has a similar sound to that of Arkells or even a Tokyo Police Club, so if you like those artists, you could like this album. They have done a pretty good job on the album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has a really nice, solid sound to it. The instrumentation is not over the top and we like that about the band. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocalist has a very indie sound to his vocals, which works well here. The background vocals are also pretty decent as well, they seem to compliment each other. Both of the singers can sing, and they do it quite well. Although it is not my style, they still have decent voices. With the lyrics, the band has decided to go with singing about girls. This is a very typical topic for bands to sing about, but they do it in a 60's style that is tasteful. We figure that since the album is titled Zoe, that all three songs are about this certain person. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so we suggest just listen to all three and then you will know if you like the album. The Sweet Mack have made this three song album really groove filled and happy. It has nice light indie feel and will appeal to a wide audience. Now just need to get out more. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Rock/Indie/Classic Rock

Release Date: May 12th, 2012

Location: Brampton, Ontario
Website: http://www.thesweetmack.ca/

Label: None

Flamingo Bay - Flamingo Bay EP

1. From Far Below

2. Into You

3. So Plain

Flamingo Bay have released their debut album which they have decided to be self titled. This album is one that really has that older rock feel but not as in the sound but more of the members. Nothing really different or unique to make them identifiable over the tons and tons of bands out there. They have a similar sound to that of Tom Petty or the 90's alt bands of the time. They have done an alright job on this album though. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded fairly well which is nice to see. The instrumentation is nice and smooth, while the playing has a solidness to it, but not really a unique or skilled way to it. Decent all in all. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals sound pretty good, you can hear him nice and clearly, plus you can also tell that he can certainly sing. With the lyrics, the band has pretty much gone for that my town sucks, and relationships/girls type of music which every band does at one time or another, but they still have a nice flow and alright songs. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song or listen to the whole thing as it is only three songs, so you get the feel of the album. Flamingo Bay have written a pretty good debut album for a band that's not really looking to go too far with their music. It has more of a once a week local bar feel to it, but if they are having fun, that is all that matters. With a few tweaks they might be able to make it their own, but hey. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Alternative

Release Date: August 20th, 2012

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

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

Label: None

The Beaches - The Beaches

1. Loner

2. Absolutely Nothing

3. Boy Wonder

4. Youth Lament

5. Kids

6. Wanna Know Your Name

The Beaches have released their debut self titled EP. This album really pays homage to the 60's style band that were out at the time. It has a great sound and being this band consists of all young females, it is quite the feat. They have a similar sound to that of Janis Joplin and those alike at the time. They have done a really good job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well while still having a bit of that 60's roughness to it. The instrumentation is pretty decent for the age of the band, really surprises you. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals are done very well. The singer can belt out the songs and rock with the best of them. The vocals are nice and clear as well, so you can tell every word. With the lyrics, they go on with that rock lifestyle in the song loner, while also talking about relationships and being kids. These are a bit of the typical topics bands target, but they do a great job on them here. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Loner" your attention as it is the best song on the album and is a real rock song that really gets the album going. The Beaches have a really great debut here that shows this band has promise and could really make it in this industry. We hope they continue to go out and make killer albums like this. Now they just need to tour more if they can. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Indie

Release Date: May 28th, 2013

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://www.thebeachesband.com/

Label: KingNoise Records

The Balconies - Rhonda

1. War

2. Middle Of The Night

3. Zombie Love

4. Rhonda Begins

5. Money Money

6. Knock Me Down

7. Queen Jesus

8. Rhonda

9. Guilty Pleasures

10. Buried

11. D Day

The Balconies have released their third effort titled "Rhonda." This album has the typical Balconies sound that was established and brought notice to the band from their previous effort. The band has a very 60's classic rock feel to them which is something not many bands are doing, especially with female vocals. The band has a similar sound to that of those old female classic rock artists. They have gone a great job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, it has been recorded very well and has everything you are looking for in that sound. The instrumentation on this album is also quite good here, the band can play and they show some of their decent skills on this album. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are very impressive as this lady can certainly scream and carry her voice quite well. Her voice is what automatically grabs your attention and makes you want to hear more. With the lyrics, the band has done a pretty good job on melding those rock lyrics while still giving a decent story that you can understand. We certainly like the lyrics too. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Rhonda" your attention as it showcases what the band is doing on this album and it is quite a good song. The Balconies have done it again, writing a great album that turns your head and gets you interested in them. Now we just need them to tour a little more and hit all markets. Great album overall. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Indie

Release Date: April 29th, 2016

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Website: http://www.thebalconies.ca/

Label: Coalition Records

All The Brightness - Lost In The Soul Deposit

1. Soul Deposit
2. Beautiful Massacre
3. One Thing
4. Come A Long Way
5. Never You
6. Waiting
7. Frozen
8. 'Til It's Over
9. Blanket Of Bliss
10. When It All Made Sense

All The Brightness have released their debut album "Lost In The Soul Deposit." This album is one that shows the band in a very alternative rock way that has a style that will appeal to an older rock crowd. Think of like a Creed or a Theory Of A Deadman with this band, if you like those guys, you could like this band. They have done a really good job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded fairly decently here. The instrumentation is not bad either, they do a good job on it. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals have a very grungy sort of style to them, like a Creed, but they are nice, clear and you can tell what he is saying. With the lyrics on this album, they have more adult themes that wouldn't always relate to the younger crowd, but they still have a decent message so they do well on the lyrics. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Beautiful Massacre" your attention as it is the best song on the album and it really gives you the feel of how the album sounds. All The Brightness have made this as their sort of welcome to album and shows off what the band is about and going for. They have a sound that crosses the line as being able to work for both regular rock fans and with a bit more work and playing the right shows, they could gear themselves more to everyone. Pretty good job overall. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Alternative/Rock/Classic Rock

Release Date: December 8th, 2005

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://www.allthebrightness.com/

Label: None