Skylines - Oneirology

 

1. Oneirology

2. Dreamscapes

3. Serotonin

4. Histamine

5. Acetylcholine

6. DMT

Skylines have released their debut album titled "Oneirology". This album shows the band in a very heavy way. The band seems to be going for a mix of metalcore and deathcore. Theses guys have a similar sound of that like an ERRA or a Periphery, so if you like those bands, you could like this one. They have sone an okay job here.

When looking at the recording quality of the album here, the album has been recorded to an alright level. The album could have been recorded a little crisper and louder, but for a first album, it's not bad.

With the instrumentation, the band certainly shows that they can play, and play pretty well. We feel like the band is highlighted by the guitars and how they play. Their skills are highlighted in the song "Histamine" which is a instrumental song. Nice job here overall.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a bit of a low point for this album. The screams are better than the sung parts, but the screams sound pretty forced in parts. Listening to the screams, they sound not bad, but you can tell there needs to be some work with them. Now the sung parts are mostly not great. You can here that they are put in to give some contrast, but also that it's mostly just getting someone who is in the band to do the best they can. It isn't bad, but full screams would of worked way better for now. Props on the attempt and for trying though. Now with the lyrics, the band goes for songs about trying to find meaning in life, and what the thing is you are supposed to do with life. These are subjects that every person is dealt with at some point in their life. This is something that can get a wider audience, and really hits with people that will become fans of this band. good job on these lyrics.

If you are looking for a single to this album, listen to the song "Serotonin" as it is the song they made a lyric video, and it shows off the band in the best light. This song would be considered the single. 

Skylines have made an album that shows off the type of sound and style the band is going for, and gives them a base to work off of, as well as something to start playing shows. We like where the band is headed, and this is a good base. We hope that the band makes some tweeks, works on some things and comes back better. Whatever is next with this band, we look forward to hearing it. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Progressive Metal/Metal/Metalcore

Release Date: July 1st, 2016

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Eaten By Sharks - We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

 

1. End Your Existence, Now!

2. Deep Inside The Beast

3. Shark Tank

4. Voted Off The Island

5. We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

Eaten By Sharks have released their debut album entitled "We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat". This album shows the band in a very technical way. These guys are very heavy and chaotic in their sound. They have a similar sound to that of a Beneath The Massacre, or The Contortionist, so if you like those bands, you could really like this band. The band has done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to just an okay level. The music sounds like it could be off the floor in some parts, and the vocals have a grungy and gritty sound to them. They could use a clearer, cleaned up recording in general to this album, and it could work to up this album. The instrumentation on this album is what really stands out though. This band can certainly play, and for a tech band, this is essential because this is what fans are looking for. These guys have done a really good job on this part of the album and this is the main piece to this album.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not too bad. You can hear the growls and screams have a nice solid sound to them. There is a little bit of work to be done, but it certainly works for the sound and style they are going for, plus he can do metal vocals. With the lyrics, the band likes to go for a lot of nautical themes in their lyrics. They have themes of gore, monsters, and being frustrated with the world. These are some typical themes bands in this genre talk about. Fans that like gruesome lyrics will like tis band, and they have done a really good job with the stories on their songs. Feel like people will like this.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the title track "We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat" your attention as it is the best song on the alum, and give you the best overall idea of what the rest of the album sounds like. 

Eaten By Sharks have made an album that shows off what the band is all about and gives them something to start from. This also gives them something to play shows with. We like what they have done so far, and are excited to see what they come up with next. Listen to this album, and decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Tech Metal/Death Metal/Metal

Release Date: May 15th, 2013

Location: St. Catherines, Ontario

Label: We Make Records

Among Legends - Some Days

 

1. February 1st

2. Sit Back And Wait

3. My Heart's At Home

Among Legends have released their third album entitled "Some Days". This album has a bit of the same sound and style from their previous two albums. They have an Alkaline Trio or a Gaslight Anthem style to them, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have done an okay job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, it sounds like the music has been recorded pretty well. On the other hand, the vocals sound not quite as clear as the music. It is a bit harder to listen to when the two different qualities are fighting each other in the same song. The instrumentation on this album is pretty average as well. They aren't going to wow you with anything, but they can play at a moderate level, or go fast and sloppy if need be.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not the greatest. His raspy, almost scottish sounding voice just doesn't go with the type of music the band is making. He can sing, but his vocals voice and the way he sings, just ain't it. With the lyrics, these songs seem to have confusing topics to them. Pushing and fighting to be a straight edge kid. Going to school. The lyrics sound like they were forced and the singer couldn't get through writers block. all in all, not great. 

If you are looking for a song to listen to on this album, I wouldn't really suggest one. We do however give credit for the effort and trying, but we didn't like any of them.

Among Legends have made an album that followed along with what they were previously doing on their first two EPs . This gives them a couple extra songs to slide into their set when playing. Listen to these songs for yourself to get your own opinion about them. 

Genre: Pop Punk/Punk/Rock

Release Date: December 7th, 2017

Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Website: http://www.amonglegends.com

Label: None

The Johnstones - Word Is Bond

 

1. No Time For The Moment

2. L.A.D.I.E.S.

3. I Know What My Name Is

4. Livin' In The Gutter

5. Sunny Days

6. What Are You Lookin' At?

7. She Said It Was Coo...

8. Bang Bang

9. Dun' Wan Lo

10. Action

11. G7C7

12. Gettin' Paid

13. No Song Here.. Must Be A Mistake??

14. L.A.D.I.E.S. (Reeeeaallly Baddass X Rated Version)

15. Gone For A Long Time

 

The Johnstones have released their third album, and first full length, named "Word Is Bond". This album shows the band in a fun ska way, but with teenage humor. They have built this album as a ska band with toilet humor. These guys are similar to that of bands like The Aquabats, The Planet Smashers, or even a band like Reel Big Fish, so if you like any of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality on this album, the album has been recorded to a very nice level. This is pretty up there for a jokester, fun ska band, and really gives the songs legitimacy. The instrumentation on this album is shown off pretty well here. Now with Ska music, it isn't quite about the ability, its more how fast and groovy you can make the song. The band does show that they can certainly play, and the brass section really shows what they can do. This isn't going to blow you away, but the band can certainly play good solid ska. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't that great. Their duel singers can sing, but it is more about being awkward and silly with the style. This does work for the band though, and thats what matters most. With the lyrics, for the most part they are very silly, childish and bathroom humour type of lyrics.  Song about getting paid, ladies, sex etc. These are fun songs, but it isn't really the type of music that holds up and keeps you having a long career. They are pretty good songs though.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Gone For A Long Time" your attention as it shows off the alum the best and the bands sound. 

The Johnstones have made their second album that really shows off their style and sound. This gives them something to really push forward and able to play more longer shows. For the genre that ska is, this works and is attracting people to their music. We like it. Listen to this album yourself to get your own opinion of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Ska/Punk/Rock

Release Date: 2006

Location: Ajax, Ontario

Label: Stomp Records 

Dawn Vally - Still Bleeding

 

1. It's Like, Getting A Rabbit Off Your Back

2. That Sloppy Girl You Once Knew

3. Diluted

4. Fake Lashes

Dawn Vally have released their album "Still Bleeding". This album does indeed keeps your ears still bleeding from after their previous effort. They have the same kind of sound and style as their previous album as well. The band has more of a growl style, as opposed to screams, so we would say they are similar to that of a Death or Opeth. So if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality here, the band has recorded this album to a somewhat average sound here. The music sound a little quieter than their previous album and could do with a more professional recording, as opposed to in someone's basement. This could take the music just that much higher. With the instrumentation, the music isn't really too crazy. This is pretty much your typical metal playing, a bunch of chugs and breakdowns, but they can certainly play. The band shows off a little bit here and there, but mostly just good old regular playing. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not too bad. The band doesn't do the sung vocals, so it's all just screamed, growl vocals. Their singer seems to be able to pull them off decently, and it gives a heavier vibe to the band. With the lyrics, the band goes for lyrics on  more of an Emmure of Attila front. Their lyrics are in your face, and more so saying things to see if a reaction can be gotten from the listener. They have songs talking about girls negatively, relationships, life etc. These aren't bad, we just would only really choose to listen to that from time to time. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "That Sloppy Girl You Once Knew" your attention, as that is the single off this EP, and shows off the bands style the best. 

Dawn Vally has made a second album that give the band more material to play more shows, have longer sets, and show off more of what the band is about. They have done an all right job overall. The music is awesome, and we like the heaviness. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Metal/Groove Metal
Release Date: March 1st, 2017

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Website: http://www.dawnvally.ca

Label: None

Lindsay Broughton - Lindsay Broughton

1. Holdin' On To You

2. Ghost In My Bed

3. The Trouble With You

4. Restless As The Rain

5. The Way You Are

6. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

7. Breaking In Two

8. You're My Weakness

Lindsay Broughton has released her debut self titled album. This album shows Lindsay in a very country way. She has everything you would expect in a modern country singer. She has the same kinda sound and feel of a Meghan Patrick. So if you like her, you could like Lindsay. She 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 very respectable level. It has a pretty clear sound, and very listenable for a debut. The instrumentation on this album is pretty standard. Country music isn't really known for elaborate music, so this works and fits in for the  type of music being played. They do however go a little with Holdin' On To You.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics. For the vocals, you can tell that Lindsay can sing. She sings in a musically trained way, as opposed to naturally, as she hits the high notes correctly and is very crisp. With the lyrics, Lindsay sings a lot about relationships and love. These are pretty typical topics for country music, so fans will be able to grasp this music quite quickly. Not bad all in all.

If you are looking for a song to listen to, give the song "Holdin' On To You" as it is the first single to this album, the first track and really shows off what Lindsay is all about.

Lindsay Broughton  has made a debut album that shows off the type of singer and style she is going for. This gives her something to tour with and showcase her skills. She also won best new Ontario country artists with this effort too. We look forward to seeing what else she comes up with. Listen to this to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Country/Singer-Songwriter

Release Date: 2012

Location: Brooklin, Ontario

Website: http://www.lindsaybroughton.com/

Label: Curve Music

Arkham Awaits - Razing An Empire

1. Welcome To Rapture

2. Visions

3. The Flame That Sparked The Fall

4. Empire To Askes

5. Vultures

6. Chimera

7. Oblivion

Arkham Awaits have released their third album titled "Razing An Empire". This album follows along the same lines as their previous two albums in style and sound. These guys do the sing and screamed metalcore vocals pretty well on here. This band reminds me of a mix between The Jettison Commitment and Searching For Satellites if you know those name. If you do not, a band Like Moths To Flames is similar as well. If you like those bands, give this a listen. They have done a pretty decent job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent sound and quality. Now the songs aren't quite as clear and crisp on the vocals as I personally would like them to be, but it still sounds pretty decent. The sung vocals could also be a littler louder and clearer, but you can make out what they are saying. 

The Instrumentation on this album is nothing too crazy, and it's nothing that is really going to wow you, but these guys can play, and they do it to decent standard. They have bits where you say, oh alright, but for the most part its what you would expect from this kind of music. Not bad though. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent. They can certainly scream, and the sung vocals are not bad. You can certainly hear the sung vocals, and voice is pretty good. We do like the screamed vocals, they just seem a little forced, but still fit right in with everything going on, and don't hurt anything. The lyrics are a little hard to make out, but if you listen a little closer, you can pretty much make out what the songs are about. Good job.

With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about life, failing, learning, love, relationships and more. These themes and lyrics feel like something the listener can get behind, and feel relatable to them. The lyrics have you saying, hey maybe I'm not the only one who feels this way. We think that the band gets their audience, and can attract more of the target, with these lyrics. Good job all in all here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't really one. We like the song visions the best, so we suggest you try that one out first, as it gives you the best feel of the album overall. Chimera is just instrumental, so don't pick that one unless you are listening to the whole album. 

Arkham Awaits have yet again written a pretty decent album that goes along the lines of the sound and style they developed on their previous albums.  This gives the band more to pull from and give a catalog to pull from when touring. We feel this band has really hit the sweet spot for the type of music they are playing, and with some luck, this band can really push through. Listen to this album to get your own opinion on it but we really like it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Post Hardcore/Screamo/Metalcore

Release Date: April 27th, 2015

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Label: None