Debt Cemetary - Dig It Yourself

1. Kindasortamaybe

2. Stolen Pens Write Faster

3. When Life Gives You Dilemmas, Make Dilemonade

Debt Cemetary have released their debut three song EP. This album shows the band in a very fast, but melodic punk sound. They have something that fits in quite well with the typical accepted punk rock sound. These guys have a similar sound to that of Strung Out, Belvedere, or even a band like A Wilhelm Scream. If you like those bands, you could like this EP, so give it a listen. They have done a pretty good here on this album.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty solid level. Now the vocals on this album are done pretty well. It has a nice sound to it, and you can hear everything, we just wish the production was a tad bit better to get rid of the little fuzziness on the background of the vocals. Other than than that, not too bad.  With the instrumentation, the band has decided to go for music with really fast, punky riffs. These are pretty common in the punk scene and is a trick for guitarists to just play faster. We don't think the band is setting the world on fire with their playing, but it is decent, and they can certainly play. This is just some good regular punk playing

Now onto the vocals and lyrics. These vocals seem to fit right in with that punk vocal style. This isn't going to wow you and go up against the pop singers, but for what they are trying to do, these vocals fit well. You can certainly hear what they are saying, despite the fast sung lyrics. The one issue is, the vocals just have this feel that they could have been a little bit clearer, and a tad more produced to get the bit of rawness out from the background. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being sick of waiting for things to fall your way, and relationships. These seem to be pretty standard things for bands to talk about, however these are things that people who are into this type of punk music can get into. The lyrics here target punk fans and can get people to get behind them, so for that, good job. They have done a good job on these song.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "When Life Gives You Dilemmas, Make Dilemonade" your attention, as this song give you just a little toned down, more melodic taste to their music, so you will be able to get into the rest of their music from this song. 

Debt Cemetary have made a debut album that shows off the style and sound the band wants to portray. This also give the band something to get them out and able to start playing shows with. Now three songs isn't that much, but its enough to do something and give a little taste of the band. We really like what they are doing here so far, and we can't wait to hear whats next from these guys. Give them a listen to decide for yourself what you think about them. 

Genre: Punk/Rock/Skate Punk

Release Date: April 1st, 2020

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Label: Thousand Islands Records

Anthem For Today - A Little Louder

1. Less Than Ordinary

2. Earthquake

3. Inside Out

4. A Little Louder

5. Anywhere But Apart

6. Falling Asleep At The Wheel

7. Believe In Me

8. Salt And Light

9. Wake Up

10. Walk Away

Anthem For Today have released their debut album, titled "A Little Louder." This album has a very generic feel for the christian rock band. The majority of these bands trying to broaden out, have an alternative pop rock sound to them, and its very prevalent on this album. These guys have a similar sound to that of a Hawk Nelson, or a Switchfoot, so if you like those 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 pretty decent standard. Now the vocals could be turned up a little, and be a bit clearer. Other then that, it has a decent sound to it. The instrumentation on this album is something that won't really turn your head or get you to take notice. This band is pretty average in this department. Not saying the band is bad or good here, just on par with most bands. They can play their instruments, and it sounds decent, so thats all you can ask for. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album have been done pretty decently. He can certainly sing, and his vocals are nice and clear, so you can get his message of religion and being saved by it very well. He isn't going to wow you with his singing, but he gives the perfect strength, and range for the type of music he is going for. All in all, he's done a great job here. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about their religion and views, as well as uplifting, bring your up and be strong songs. These guys have also getting away from the bad things in your life. All in all, they have a pretty uplifting album with a lot of positivity in the lyrics. We think they have done a really good job on the lyrics.

If you are looking for a single to this this album, give the song "A Little Louder" your attention, as this is the best song on the album, and it really gives you the best overall idea of what the album as a whole sounds like.

Anthem For Today have released a debut album that really shows off the sound and ideals they are about with this offering. This album also gives them a start and something to get them playing shows. We feel like these guys have done a solid job on this album and we think they have something that could keep the ball rolling. We are looking forward to hearing whats next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Religious/Alternative/Rock

Release Date: 2013

Location: Barrie, Ontario

Label: None

Choices - Paradise Lost

1. Benevolent

2. Mended

3. Better Days

4. Paradise Lost

5. Coming To Life

6. Guilty As Me

7. Euphoria

Choices have released their debut album titled "Paradise Lost." This album shows the band in a very melodic metal way. They have a sound thats hard to say just exactly where they fit. These guys have such melodic parts, that it's almost too much at times, but then the music sounds post-hardcore for sure. This band has a similar sound to that of a more melodic In Flames or Erra without the screamed vocals, so if you like that music, you could like this album. The guys here have done a pretty decent job on these songs.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well, and has a super clear, crisp sound to the songs. The producer did a really good job on these songs. With the instrumentation on this album, the guys go straight into showing you what they can do. "Benevolent" is an instrumental track that shows off the bands guitar skills, and lets you know this band has skills for sure. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, the singer decided to go for a more melodic touch here. At times the vocalist goes a little too melodic, and it lacks some harshness because of it. On the song "Mended" when the vocalist starts singing, it is hard to catch what he is saying, and it ends up sounding like a jumbled mess for a few bars. Other than this, the vocals are really solid and you can certainly tell he can sing. For the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, depression, getting better, and fighting through. This album has a theme with it, starting with an ending relationship and ending with getting through ang thriving. It's pretty cool how you can listen through on this journey the singer goes through while listening to the whole album. They have done a good job on the lyrics.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Coming To Life" your attention, as it is the best song on the album, and really encapsulates what this whole album is about. 

Choices have made an album that is pretty decent, and can be listened to by the casual or new metalcore listener, an the metalcore enthusiast looking for a break from all the screams. All in all, this is a good album, introduces you to the band, and gives them something to get them out to playing shows. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.) 

Genre: Metalcore/Metal/Rock

Release Date: July 8th, 2015

Location: Brockville, Ontario

Website: http://www.choicesofficial.ca

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

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

Adriiana - Adriiana

1. Dancing In London

2. We Are Young

3. Light Me Up

4. If Only

5. What Will We Be

6. Love Alive

7. He's Trouble

8. My  Life

9. Mr. Wrong

Adriiana has released her debut album which is self-titled. This album shows the young artist having a very industry controlled pop style and sound. Her music sounds very upbeat and happy. The music is also catchy. She has a similar sound to that of a Victoria Duffield or Alyssa Reid. Being Adriiana is also a graduate of The Next Star show from YTV, it seems logical that these artists would have a similar sound. Adriiana has done a pretty good job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well. This album has an almost overproduced feel to it, as it is very poppy, very clean and has electronic beats in the background. This is pretty standard for a pop album to sound, and they did a good job. The instrumentation on this album is pretty lacking. With this being a pop album, it's pretty much all produced beats that she is singing over. We wish there were more real instruments in the music, but such is pop.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent I'll say. Adriiana can certainly sing, and she shows it off on this album. On this album, she shows how she can hit the high notes, and hold her notes. Adriiana has some talent, and its nice to see she's at this stage already in her young career. With the lyrics Adriiana goes for songs about relationships, boys, life and more. These are the type of songs you expect a pop artist, especially as young as she is, to be singing about. We think shes done well, but maybe with a little more experience, more complicated songs can come. Good job though.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "We Are Young" your attention, or "Dancing In London" as these really show off the sound and style of this album. 

Adriiana has made a debut album that really shows off her singing and talent. This gives her a starting base, and introduces her fans from TV, into more of her own style and thing outside. She has done a good job, and we can't wait to see what else she comes up with. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Pop/Dance/Electro Pop

Release Date: 2011

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Website: http://adriiana.com

Label: Wax Records

Norris - Ladies And Gentlemen, We Regret to Inform You That Our Worldwide Anthem Is An Explosion

1. Gaia

2. Human Kindling

3. Worth Living

4. Our Worldwide Anthem Is An Explosion

Norris have released their debut album with a super long title. This album shows the band in a chaotic and noisy way. The band seems to have things going off in every which direction, which is a bit of a sensory overload. They have a similar sound to that of a band like A Textbook Tragedy, Job For A Cowboy or even a Pig Destroyer, so if you are into bands like this, you could really 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 an okay level. This may intentionally feel like this with all the chaotic time shifts and things, but the recording just kind of seems like a mess. Now yes it could be more clear and crisp, but this also helps with the feel the band is going for on the record. With the instrumentation, the band can certainly play, and they shift from fast to slow and back, but unless you can really focus, you'll not understand the talent here. We think this band can really play and they do a solid job at what they are doing here.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, the singer has some very screeched vocals here, which could use some work, as they at times just sound like someone throwing up. They do however work for the music, but again, not as polished. The actual singing part on the songs could also use work. We do think there is potential here though. With the lyrics, they are a bit hard to hear and understand with the style of vocals. Honestly we can't really tell you what they are singing about, which sucks because that an element of the music lost, but we still listen for what it is.

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

Norris have made a debut album that really shows off what the band wants to do, and gives you an idea of the direction this band wants to go. This is a starter into the band and what they are doing. They have done a pretty good job here with how chaotic it is, and how the musicianship is on this album. We feel they did an alright job here, and it will be interesting to see what they come up with next. We aren't really a fan of this type of metal but we can respect what's going on here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metal/Metalcore/Grindcore

Release Date: 2005

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Label: None