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

Dog Bus - Dog Bus

1. Put Yo Handz In The Air

2. We're The Jdoggs

3. Hot

4. Lemonade

5. Jdog

6. Robot

7. Keep Holdin' On

8. Candy Shop

9. Zombie Gurl

10. U Got Beef?

11. Man Crib

12. Ice Cream

Dog Bus have released their debut album, which they have decided to self-title. They have made an album that shows off the sound and style they want you to know. This band is different with their comedy rap. Their sound is similar to that of MC Lars or MC Chris, so if you are into these artists, you could 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 alright sound. This album is listenable for sure. The instrumentation on this album isn't the best, as its been done with a lot of drum tracks, beats, clips, etcetera.  They haven't really put much into this part of the album, but thats not really what people who are into this style of music are paying attention to. There could of been more done here, but thats ok. 

Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals on this album are not the greatest by any means and they certainly need work, but hey, props to them for trying and just doing it. With the lyrics, Dog Bus goes for very typical, and cringe lyrics, but thats okay because when look at them as more of a fun and comedy rap, it's not actually too bad. They even decide to scream "Dog Bus 2008" when the album was dropped in 2009, so nothing serious here. They sing about robots, girls, partying, candy, lemonade and ice cream. These are pretty silly topics, but hey, it's fun.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give "Robot" your attention as this is the song the band decided to make the single and it gives you a good idea of the vibe of this album. 

Dog Bus have released their debut album. This one is pretty cringy and the fact that it's a goofy rich teen rapping with his significantly younger brother makes it worse. Be that as it may, we still can't stop listening to these songs. Give this album a listen and decide for yourself what you think about it. 

Genre: Hip Hop/Nerdcore/Comedy

Release Date: February 19th, 2009

Location: Waterloo, Ontario

Label: None

Kidstreet - Fuh Yeah

1. X

2. Birthday Boy

3. Penny Candy

4. Out Loud

5. Fuh Yeah

6. Nineteen Ninety Three

7. Song

8. The Future Is A Fever

9. Never Coming Back

10. X (Rampue Remix)

Kidstreet have released their second album titled "Fuh Yeah". This album features two versions of X and song that came from the X EP. The trio has an indie electro-pop feel to them and it seems to really work on their debut full length. The band has a similar sound to that of Woodhands, Dragonette, or MGMT. so if you like these artists, 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 fairly well, and the songs have a really nice polished sound to them. They are pretty simple, but they do sound good. The instrumentation on the album is pretty average. Kidstreet do a lot of electronic tinkering, among things, using keyboards and a drumkit to get their sound. This isn't really something that is going to amaze you, but it does have a nice enjoyable sound, and they can pull it off pretty well. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics. Although some of the songs are pretty much instrumentals, the use of the vocals in songs seem pretty soft and give off a folky ambient feel with them. Their vocalist can sing, and she has a pretty soothing, clear voice. You can certainly make out what she is saying, and get the meaning of each song. All in all, solid vocals here. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about infatuation, relationships, being wild, and more. With the way the lyrics are used, and the effects on them, its a little hard to get it, but they go with the style the band is going for. Not all of these songs are going to relate, partly because the meaning is a little skewed. The lyrics seem to be an offshoot of the electric sound they are going for. Not bad here, we do like it.

If you are looking for a single to the album, give "X" or "Song" your attention. You may have even heard song before as it was used in some ford car commercials. These two songs will really get you prepared for the rest of the album. 

Kidstreet have made an unusual album, but that doesn't mean it isn't great. We like what they have done here and it works. They have shown off what they are going for, and give them more to pull from in a live setting. We hope to see more and see how far they can pull this. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Electronic/Pop/Rock

Release Date: September 27th, 2011

Location: Waterloo, Ontario

Label: Nettwerk

Life In Vacuum - Nothing Ever Stays Secret

1. The Return Of The Bucketeers

2. Windmill Operator

3. Russian Melody (In B Minor)

4. Idea #3

Life In Vacuum have released their second album titled "Nothing Ever Stays Secret". This album is one that seems to be all over the place. These guys have weird time signatures in their music, and seem to abruptly switch what they are playing on a dime. This is pretty indicative of the math rock and experimental sides of the bands music. We aren't really sure what bands have similar sounds to this, as we aren't very familiar with this sound on a grand scale. This is something we would say is unique though. When looking at the recording quality of this album, it feels like the band benefits from that dirtier, not perfect, raw recording that you get here. This recording seems to fit their style well. The instrumentation on this album is different because they somewhat ride that thin line of is this just a mess of sound or is it genius? These guys can certainly play, but how well is a different thing. You can however tell they do know what they are doing. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a bit sloppy here, but that seems to be the style the band is going for. He is a little hard to hear on some songs, but you can for the most part understand what he is trying to say. This isn't the best singing, but punk has never been about that, so this works. Not bad though. With the lyrics, the vocalist sings pretty fast and sloppy that it is hard to quite get what he is singing about. 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. Life In Vacuum have made an album that follows along with their debut. This gives them a bigger library to pull from, and defines the band more as to what they are. This personally isn't our thing, but we feel there is a market for this, and people will get into it. Give it a listen to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Math Rock/Post Punk/Post Hardcore

Release Date: June 4th, 2009

Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Website: http://www.lifeinvacuum.com/
Label: None

Scotty James - Crazy

1. Wanna Be Loved

2. Do It

3. Crazy

4. Head Over Heals

5. Miss You Good

Scotty James has released his debut EP titled "Crazy". This album really shows off Scotty in an acoustic pop sort of way, with keyboards behind him. He has a very common/standard feel to him as a solo artist. This has a similar sound to that of a Justin Nozuka or Raine Mada, so if you are into either artist, you could really like this album. This album has been done pretty well. When looking at the recording quality to this album, the album has been recorded quite well, although, it does have that typical sound. The instrumentation is quite simple here, although he can play, his acoustic guitar playing is not the focus as much as his voice is. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are very polished, but also very much like every singer out there who has been trained and trying to be a solo acoustic act. He can certainly sing, but to us, it seems like the vocals are missing that unique factor here. With the lyrics, Scotty says that they are about a relationship and how being in one, and trying to make it work can be crazy. We agree with that, and notice quite a lot of that running through his debut here. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Crazy" your attention, as we feel this is the best song and will represent the rest of the album the best. Scotty James has made a very good, polished album here, that shows he can certainly do it and has potential. Our one hope though, is that the next album really sets himself apart and shows us more of him and a unique style. We can't wait to see whats next and think this is a great starter album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Pop/Acoustic/Rock

Release Date: 2011

Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Website: http://scottyjamesmusic.com

Label: None

Gold Finch - Forlorn

1. Everything

2. How I've Been

3. Winter Sun

4. Sepulchre

5. Rusted Gold

Gold Finch have released their second album titled "Forlorn." This album follows the same sound and style as the band debut album. These guys have a very heavy, down feeling sound that isn't for everyone. These guys have a similar sound of bands like Teenage Wrist or Trash Boat, so if you are into those guys, this album could be for you. These guys have done a decent job here on the album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album could certainly use some more work, but you do get that kind of feel that the band is going for a dirty, low, kind of unpolished style to their music. The instrumentation on this album is pretty standard here, although you won't really hear anything that will make you turn your head, the band can play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are very grungy and a bit raspy, but are still clear enough that you can hear the words pretty well. Now we wouldn't say the singer is a great one, but he can sing, so there is some potential here. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about wishing and hoping for more in life, being lonely and waiting for things to get better, and pretty much just being a sad boy. We do understand how someone can get into this rut and feel this way. A lot of people will be able to relate to these lyrics 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 feel of this album. Gold Finch have made a record that stands along side their debut and give them a bigger catalog to play at shows. If you liked the bands previous album, you should like this. We think the band has done a good job here, now just time to get out there more. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Grunge/Punk/Indie

Release Date: December 2nd, 2016

Location: Waterloo, Ontario

Label: None

Among Legends - Starting Over

1. It Doesn't Matter What We Do

2. Final Curtain Call

3. Reparations

4. Punk Rock Hoser

5. Half Past Nine

6. Renegade

7. The Wall

Among Legends have released their second album titled "Starting Over." This album has more of an original pop punk sound to it. Unfortunately, this band, as well as many other bands have trouble moving from the music they like after it becomes no longer popular. This band has a really Alkaline Trio and a bit Blink-182 sound to them, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have done alright on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album seems like it could use a bit better mix and the songs seem to need more volume to them. Other than that, this album seems alright. The instrumentation on the album sounds alright also, it just doesn't have a wow factor to it, although the band can certainly play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals here are not bad, and you can clearly hear every word the singer is saying. however it could use the vocals to be more upfront in the mix so we can hear them more. He can certainly sing, we just wish it wasn't as quiet. With the lyrics, the bands goes for songs about relationships and fighting for what you want. These seem to be the two main subjects the vocalist wants to bring to the listeners attention. We feel that a lot of songs are about relationships in one form or another, so it would of been nice to hear something a little different. The rest of the songs have a message that people could use, as fighting for what you want can be a good thing. Make things in your life happen as you want them to. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Punk Rock Hoser" your attention as it is the best song on the album. Among Legends have made their second album a very Alkaline Trio influenced piece of work. We like to hear more of a bands own style in their music, but this wasn't bad. We think with some tweaks and making the music more their own, this could really work. Now the band just needs to get out and play more to get their music heard more. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Pop Punk/Punk/Rock

Release Date: February 28th, 2017

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

Label: None

Life In Vacuum - Life In Vacuum

1. Life In Vacuum

2. I'm Not Real

3. Dance All Night

4. We Are One

5. Death Notes

6. Slothy

Life In Vacuum have released their debut album which they decided to self title. This album has a really different sound and style to it than the typical bands you would expect to see play with these guys. They have a weird, sort of out there styles of punk music. These guys have a similar sound to that of Tiny Moving Parts or a Joliette, so if you like either of those bands, you could like this album. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a Pretty decent standard. They could of upped the quality a bit in all cetegories but thats what we assume the band wanted was, a rawer sounding album. The instrumentation on the album is not bad for three guys. It is loud and noisy but thats what they wanted. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little hard to hear and understand. The band has decided to go for a fast and messy vocal style that makes the lyrics harder to hear. We are personally not a fan, but there are people who love this vocal style. Now onto the lyrics, the band has decided to go for songs with messages about not running away and more. Their lyrics are hard to understand as the vocals are sung so fast and sloppy, we can't really make out a lot of the works. If you are looking for a single to this album, here isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of this band. Life In Vacuum have made a debut album that is fast and full of angst. However this makes it hard to understand and we would love to have a happy medium. This does show the route the band wants to go in and thats good to hear. We hope the band can get out more to bring their music to more people and get a wider audience. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Math Rock/Post Punk/Post Hardcore

Release Date: May 6th, 2008

Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Website: http://www.lifeinvacuum.com/
Label: None

Amberwood - Now & Then

1. Coming Home

2. Back To Back

3. Out Of This Place

4. Confessions

5. Now & Then

Amberwood have released their second album titled "Now & Then." This album follows along the same lines and style as their debut album, so you will know what to expect if you heard their debut. These guys really do have that straight forward rock sound, which we think sounds like a Theory Of A Deadman or a 3 Doors Down. If you like those artists or 90's rock, you could really like this album. The guys have done a good job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty solid standard. This album has a nice sound and professional. The instrumentation on the album is nothing to blow you away, but they can play and they play nice straight forward rock. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocalist has a nice, strong voice. He has a bit of a raspy voice which can work in rock. He is very clear though, so you can tell just what he is saying. Not a bad singer overall. With the lyrics, the band goes for the message of getting out of a place you don't want to be in, what it's like to come home after being away for awhile, and confessing your secrets. They also look at the past and future of your life. These are a lot of things people deal with at some point in their life, and it connects with the fan. We like the messages in the songs and it goes with the music. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Coming Home" your attention as it is the best song on the album and it really starts off the album well. This also gives you the idea of the rest of the album. Amberwood have yet again made a decent album that is very listenable for a huge variety of people. They have nice vocals, decent lyrics and with a little more of a modern feel, they could probably make a go of it. Overall we like it. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Alternative

Release Date: June 5th, 2014

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

Label: None

Saigon Hookers - Hello Rock And Roll

1. Fresh Fish
2. We Don't Care
3. So Good
4. Slim Pickings
5. Sweetheart
6. Devil To Win
7. She Blows My Mind
8. Nothing Left
9. I'm Right Here

Saigon Hookers have released their second album titled "Hello Rock And Roll." This album follows the same sort of sound that the band established previously on their two song demo they released. The band has a real grungy, rock feel to their music. It seems kind of like a Darkness or any other sort of throw back band. They have done an alright job on the album. When looking at the recording quality of the album, the album has been recorded to an alright standard of listenability. The bands instrumentation however is quite good, this band can play and they throw in a bunch of solos all over the place. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad, you can hear what he is saying and he has that grungy sort of vocal style that goes with this style of music. Now with the lyrics, they are something that could use some work on, they have a very typical older rock sort of themes to their songs and they just don't have that appeal to a younger audience. With songs about girls and not caring, living that rock life, they sing very typical songs.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 feel of the album. Saigon Hookers have given us a full dose of what they are and how they plan to rock on this effort. This is not a bad effort, but with some progression and tweaking, maybe they could get a sound that will appeal to more people. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rock/Rock & Roll/Alternative

Release Date: November 5th, 2006

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

Label: None

Gold Finch - I've Haunted Myself For Too Long

1. Exhale
2. Breathe In
3. Limerence
4. Northfield
5. Changing

Gold Finch have released their debut album titled "Ive Haunted Myself For Too Long." This album shows the band in the new typical pop punk way. The sound is more of that grungy pop punk. They have the same sort of sound as a band like Somos or Khey have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded with average decency. The bands instrumentation is pretty average here, nothing really to make you want to pay attention to them really. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album could be better, they are too grungy and they just sound like every other band right now. The good thing is they are clear and you can tell what he is saying though. With the lyrics, they are not bad, but they could also use some work in getting more of a mature, meaningful lyric to them, they are not bad though, just need a little work since it is their first shot at it. If you are looking for a single this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the album. Gold Finch have not done a bad job on their debut sort of welcome to album here. With a few tweaks and some more progression, they can get more of their own sound and possibly make something more of this. Now all that is left is to work on their live stuff and get out playing shows. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Pop Punk/Punk/Rock

Release Date: March 10th, 2016

Location: Waterloo, Ontario

Label: None