Strange Ways - Demo

1. Intro

2. Fade Away

3. Height Of Hubris

4. Stranger Days

5. Slip Of The Tongue

Strange Ways have released their debut album, which is just simply titled "Demo". The band takes it back with an old school punk and grunge sound. They have a sound that we would consider like a Moterhead and Barnburner mixed together, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. The instrumentation on this album is quite decent. Their guitarist is pretty talented, and can play quite well. Now it isn't going to be like those progressive bands, but it is still pretty solid playing overall. This record is rough and distorted all over the place, but we feel this is intentional so that it gives off a raw feeling to the album. Let's talk about the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't the best, but they are pretty clear and you can hear what he is singing about. With a little more practice, a clearer recording, and being this is a demo, this could improve. We look forward to that with the next release. With the lyrics, the band seems to be singing more aggressive songs about another person, and how they have interacted together. This seems to be the typical thing a lot of younger bands sing about. With their sound, we didn't quite expect this to be the lyrical content, but hey, it is a first release. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just give the whole album a listen, as it's only five songs, and they aren't that long. This way you will have an idea of the band. Strange Ways have made an album that gives you an intro into the band and how they sound. They have made four songs (and an intro) to get you into the band, and it's not bad. We look forward to seeing what is next for the band. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. 

Genre: Grunge/Punk/Garage Rock

Release Date: March 23rd, 2016

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

New Swears​/​Swollen Eyes Split

(New Swears)

(Swollen Eyes)

1. Hey Mister

2. Blackout Pact

3. Dog's Age

4. Burning Man

5. Rather Be Dead

6. Paradise

7. Can't Make Her Love Me

New Swears and Swollen Eyes have decided to put out a split album. This is pretty much just a New Swears album, as Swollen Eyes only have one song on here, (Track 7). This album has a very basic and rough punk and garage rock sound. This album just basically allows both of the bands to play shows. They both have a similar sound, and we feel it's similar to Ramones or a Beach Boys style, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have made an album here. When looking at the recording quality of this album you can tell why it's called garage rock, and that this is basically a demo. There is a lot of work to do here, but it is a start. The instrumentation is nothing to really mention, both bands can play though. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals from New Swears are not bad, you can tell they can sing and that there is potential here. We think with a better recording, it could highlight their vocals better, and really show them off. Swollen Eyes song has dual vocals performed on the song, while there is also screaming. This along with the roughness of the album is hard to tell, but from what we can tell, they can sing. Screaming is another thing. With the lyrics, New Swears goes for songs about partying, always moving forward, people changing, relationships, road trips and more. While Swollen Eyes song just seems to be so rough, and with the screaming in the song, we can't really get a feel for what they are saying. If you are looking for a single to this split alum, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. New Swears have put out a debut recording that shows off what the band is trying to do and gives them a base to work with. Hopefully the band keeps working and can get a better all around representation of their music. Same thing with Swollen Eyes, this isn't their first release, but with more, we could get a better feel from them, although we think they are partly trying to sound like that. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of the album.

Genre: Garage Rock/Punk/Indie

Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Label: None

Sam Coffey And The Iron Lungs - Bedroom Rock

1. Don't Ya Love Me?
2. Don't Call Me Fat
3. Brides Of Satan (Witch Cave)
4. Cockfight!

Sam Coffey And The Iron Lungs have released their first album titled "Bedroom Rock." This album has a very garage sounding shoegaze feel to it. These guys are very raw and unfiltered here. This band has a similar sound to a band like Broncho or even The Dirty Nil, so if you are into either of these artists, you could like this band. They have done an okay job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to just an okay standard. As the band says, these songs were recorded in Sam's bedroom, so it's easy to not expect much. The instrumentation on the album is pretty average as well, they can play, but nothing to really catch you. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics. The vocals on this album are hard to understand at times, since the vocalist seems to be in a very echoy room. From what we can tell, he can sing alright, but it's hard to hear. With the lyrics, again since they are hard to hear, we can only make out a bit. What we can hear is that they sing about love, relationships, people being insulting and fights. For the most part, this is what a lot of bands are singing about, but this band has a different sound to the typical bands singing about those subjects. 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. Same Coffey and The Iron Lungs have made a very rough, basic first album so that you can get a rough idea of the sound and style the band is going for. We hope this gets better as the band progresses and we can hear a better recording of what they want to do. Not bad for super rough bedroom songs, and we look forward to seeing whats next. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Garage Rock/Shoegaze/Rock

Release Date: October 20th, 2011
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://www.samcoffeyandtheironlungs.com/
Label: None

Basement Dweller - Post Self Deprecation Core

1. Greyhound

2. Beckwith Berries Are Fascist Bastards

3. Caring About Stuff Is For Chumps

4. Basement

5. I Don't Like Anything

Basement Dweller have released his debut album titled "Post Self Deprecation Core." This album is very much a raw punk album. He has made a very rough starter album so you know what he sounds like. He has a similar sound to that of The Penske File or Brutal Youth, so if you like those artists, you could like this album. He has done an okay job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has a very poor quality to it. This feels more like an off the floor demo then an actual album, but it does the trick to show you what he is about. The instrumentation isn't bad here, bit it is nothing that is going to blow you away. He can certainly play so that is great. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are very raspy and at times screamed. He can sing, but not sure if it is the recording quality or his voice that make it hard to hear the lyrics at times. We think he did an alright job for what is there. With the lyrics, he sings about having a crazy night, getting drunk and being pissed off, not caring and just being a punk all around. This feels like the singer is in a place where he just doesn't care about anything and wants to just scream and not deal with anything. We know that everyone gets this way at times and can relate to what he is saying.
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. Basement Dweller have made a very basic starter album to let you know what this artists wants to sound like. He has a lot of growing and building to do, but this lays a foundation. We hope to see him continue and see what he comes out with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Punk/Rock/Garage Rock

Release Date: March 17th, 2018

Location: Peterborough, Ontario

Label: None

Thousand Young - Thousand Young

1. There Is No Shore

2. Wolves

3. You Can't Choose Who You Burn Beside 

4. Stoned Parallel

Thousand Young have released their second album which is also self titled. This happens to be just an EP though. The band has an indie punk sort of sound, with screaming vocals mixed in. They have a similar sound to that of an Every Time I Die, or a Dead And Divine, so if you like either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty good job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has a pretty decent quality to it. The instrumentation is not bad either here, the band can play, and the sound is good, although they aren't going to blow you away. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done nicely. The vocalist can both sing and scream, while still being clear enough to understand all the words. He has a solid voice and does well on this album. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about politics for the most part. They talk about society and what is going on with the people who make choices for the little people. We feel a lot of people can get behind this, especially in the time we live in right now. If you are looking for a single, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. Thousand Young have made an EP that shows a little different side of the band. These are also the bands last song which they decided to bring out for the fans. We feel the band did a pretty good job here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Garage Rock/Punk/Grunge
Date: February 13th, 2015
Location: Welland, Ontario

Label: Blacktop Records

Die Mannequin - Slaughter Daughter

1. Do It Or Die

2. Saved By Strangers

3. Upside Down Cross

4. Lonely Of A Woman

5. Open Season [Raw Bootleg]

Die Mannequin have released their second album titled "Slaughter Daughter." This album follows the same style and sound of their debut but pack a little more of a punch than the previous did. This album has a mix of that radio rock, while still feeling like they have that do it yourself punk/garage rock mentality to their music. The band is pretty hard to grab similarities to as there isn't really any female fronted punky rock bands out there beside maybe The Distillers, so if you are a fan of that band, you could like these guys as well. They have done a really great job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well, while still holding that true punk feel. Ian D'sa did a really solid job on the first two songs as producer as well. The instrumentation on the album is nothing that will really wow you, but they can certainly play and it isn't that sloppy, as you might expect in this music. so pretty good job all in all. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are quite good. Care does a great job making them fit perfectly with the style the band is going for, while keeping them clear and able to hear every word she sings. You can also hear the passion and effort in her voice when she sings. With the lyrics, the band has decided to go for messages of having your back against a wall and having your life depending on you doing something, relationships, having things being turned upside down and not being the way things should be, and being all by yourself. These we feel are things that many people have felt in their lives, so people will really get the lyrics and latch on to them. Great job on the lyrics really getting you to listen to get the meanings. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Do It Or Die" your attention as that song really rocks and starts off the album perfectly. That song also gives you the best feel for the album. Die Mannequin have done a really great job on their second album here. It expands on their first album with the sound and gives them more songs to play live. This album is something that was missing in the scene, so it's awesome to see this band do it. Great job overall. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Punk/Garage Rock
Release Date: September 25th, 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://www.diemannequin.ca
Label: How To Kill

Elk - Balm Beach

1. Shaking Hands

2. Laura

3. Sheldon

4. Rock And Roll

Elk have released their second album titled "Balm Beach." This album has the same sort of style and feel their previous record has and keeps the identity of the band intact. This is a super indie sound and screams hipster. These guys have a similar sound to that of Tokyo Police Club or a Born Ruffians, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an okay level. We think the reasoning is to give it a more 60's or 70's feel in the recording, as well as a more raw indie feel. The instrumentation on the album is pretty average. This is not to say the band can't play because they certainly can, it's just nothing that will blow you away. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album go quite well with the style of music the band is going for. He has a very indie rock feel to his vocals. Their vocalist can be heard very clearly and the lyrics are understandable. With the lyrics, the band has gone for messages of relationships, living life and people chasing dreams. They pretty much have standard lyrical content here. Nothing about their songs is hard to understand and can be listened to by a wide variety of people. 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. Elk have made a very 60's rocking album here that really follows what the indie rock scene is doing right now. These four songs rock. Now they 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: Indie/Garage Rock/Rock

Release Date: March 14, 2011
Location: St. Catherines, Ontario
Website: http://www.elkmusic.com
Label: None

The '92 Blue Jays - The Champ

1. The Champ
2. Slowdown Around
3. John Cusack
4. Sour Candy

The '92 Blue Jays are at it again, making the playoffs and becoming "The Champs" again on their new album. As the story goes for the '92 Blue Jays, they were the first team outside of the US to win a World Series, thus starting a legacy and putting doubt into the world that maybe Canada can be just as good as the US in baseball. The '92 Blue Jays rocked.  The band is very raw Indie sort of punk here that is starting to grow a little. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality, the songs could use a little more polishing up and being the same quality throughout the album, but pretty sure they wanted it raw. The instrumentation isn't the greatest here, they can still play though. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals have that dirty rock feel to them and lots of chants like you get in baseball. You can hear the vocals clear. With the lyrics, the band sings about being the champs and John Cusack, two things every good band should sing about. Could use a little work on the lyrics but not bad for an early stage band. 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. The '92 Blue Jays have successfully made a dirty, raw album that really hits in the bar scene. We would however like to get a fuller sample of their music next time. This band also needs to get out more and show people their music. Listen to this band to decide for yourself what you think of them.

Genre: Garage Rock/Rock/Indie

Release Date: June 26th, 2015

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Label: None

Hotkid - Under The Streetlight

1. Fake It
2. Dizzy
3. Yours And Mine
4. Down

Hotkid has released their debut album titled "Under The Streetlight." This album shows the band doing quite the garage rock thing which is gaining in popularity with the rise of indie rock.These guys have a similar sound to that of The Balconies and The Dirty Nil, so if you like those bands, you could like this one. 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 good standard, while still  having that dirty sound to help with the garage feel. The instrumentation on this album is nothing to marvel at, but they do hold a tune and can certainly play. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals have that deeper female vocal style that goes with what you usually expect in the rock genre from females. She can sing clear and sing well, so that helps bring up the level of this album. With the lyrics, they have gone for an in your face way about talking about relationships. They have a bit of a different way of singing about them, but it is pretty much the same message tons of bands are talking about. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Yours And Mine" your attention as it has the best. most direct message in it and shows you just what the band is like the best. Hotkid have made a debut album that shows a lot of promise and could really turn into something. It is not everyday that a 2 piece band sounds this good. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Garage Rock/Indie/Rock
Release Date: July 3rd, 2010

Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Website: http://www.hotkid.ca/

Label: None

Mad Ones - Sanciety

1.Got Something
2. Fangs
3. Lost That Way
4. Leather Rug
5. Phazed
6. Walking The Ceiling
7. Wait Til It's Over
8. Teeth And Claws
9. Sanciety
10. Angles
11. Telepathic Frames

Mad Ones have released their third album titled "Sanciety." This one continues the style and sound the band introduced on their debut album. The band has a similar sound to that of a Hollerado or a DFA1979, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have 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 good standard. The album has a pretty clear sound but has a bit of that grungy sound to it that really hits well with their fans. The albums instrumentation is not bad either, but it is still nothing to blow you away. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad, they have that grungy rock feel to them and it goes with that garage rock they want. With the lyrics, they seem to have a more angsty message in them that seems to come from a place of hurt or sadness. These lyrics go quite well with what the content of the listeners would want. If you are looking for a single to this album, listen to the song "Walking The Ceiling" as this is the best song on the album and gives you the best feel for the rest of the album. Mad Ones have made a decent garage rock album that really hits all the right notes and feel. We like this album and are happy to have been able to listen to it. Keep up the work. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Indie/Rock/Garage Rock

Release Date: November 1st, 2016

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://www.madones.ca/

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