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 

Absence Of Fear - We Lost Our Captain In An Elevator Mosh Pit

1. Intro

2. Meaningless War

3. Breathe

4. Proctor

5. The Needle

Absence Of Fear have released their debut album "We Lost Our Captain In An Elevator Mosh Pit". This album shows off the band in a heavy, core like way, but also classic metal solos. Thee guys don't really have a similar sound to that of anyone. They mix a few different things from different styles of metal, so it's hard to pin point bands they sound like, which is good.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a below average sound. These songs are not bad, but the vocals and the overall recordings seem to be very low and needing to be louder and more crisp.  The Instrumentation on this album is quite good however. We feel like this band shows off their ability, and there are parts that really show off the guitarists abilities. This band can certainly play, although at times it doesn't feel like the styles of the screaming and music meld together properly. Still good either way. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not too bad actually. The vocalist can certainly scream, and he's got a sound that most local screaming bands star out with. There are hints that really impress me here though. On the other hand, the background vocals could use some work. They seem to be a bit weak and out of tune at times. Not bad for a first release. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, dark themes of vengeance and where to go with things, and fighting for things. We feel that fans and people in general can get into these lyrics and themes, relate with this band. This really helps in gaining those fans. Pretty good job all in all 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 the album. The bands songs are longer, so we suggest "breathe" as one to try out.

Absence Of Fear have made a debut album that really gives the band a starting point, and something to be able to play shows. These guys really have something here, as long as the recording gets better. You can tell the guitar and screaming works well, and could be shown with a better sound. We think there is potential here, 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 them. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metalcore/Metal

Release Date: 2009

Location: Cannington, Ontario

Website: http://www.absenceoffear.com

Label: None

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