Arcane Ghosts - Traveller

1. Pay My Dues

2. Alive

3. Flower City

4. Ghost

5. Black Forest

Arcane Ghosts have released their debut album titled "Traveller". They have made an album that shows the band in a faster pop-punk kind of way. These guys have a similar sound to that of Calling All Captains, Citizen or even a Basement. If you like those bands, you could like these guys. They have done an not too bad job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty average level. When listening to some of the songs, things seem a little rough and unpolished. The vocal recording could be a little crisper and louder on here, it just sounds a little to far back in the mix. The instrumentation on this album isn't too bad. These guys can play, and they play pretty fast. There isn't really one thing that stands out in this department, just pretty alright playing for a young band on their first album.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad. You can certainly hear what the singer is singing, and what he is talking about. The thing is, the vocals could be louder at spots, and could be a little crisper. We certainly don't think he's a bad singer, just a little too fast and could be clearer in spots. With a little work, this could be pretty solid, not bad though. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about shutting out the negativity, relationships, finding yourself, and more. These songs seem to have the type of subjects younger people who more commonly listen to this, are going to connect with. These song target their audience, and will bring people to this band. We think they have done a good job on the lyrics.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Pay My Dues" your attention, as it's the single to this album, and gives you a good idea of what the band and album is about.

Arcane Ghosts have made an album that really shows off what the band is about, and gives people their first taste of this band. It also gives the band something to play shows with, and get the band rolling. Now this doesn't quite have a defined sound or direction, but hopefully on the next album, they will give a more definitive rock, pop-punk or indie sound. Some songs sounded like one of those three genres. We look forward to seeing what they do next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Pop-Punk/Punk/Rock

Release Date: February 22nd, 2017

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Label: None

Atlantic Division - Home Opener

1. Ten Thousand Feet

2. Lighthouse

3. Now You Know

4. Save Your Heart

5. Broker Fields

Atlantic Division have released their debut album titled "Home Opener". This album shows the band in a very pop punk way. This has a really young, underdeveloped pop punk sound, but it will get there. These guys have a similar sound to that of a July or a Bearings, so if you like those bands, you could like this one. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has a pretty decent quality to it. The vocals on this album could use a little work in the recording quality. They have a bit of a rough sound to them. This is alright for the first album from a band though. The instrumentation on this album is pretty average. There is nothing in this department that's really going to wow you. They can certainly play, but it is certainly not turning heads, it's just good old regular playing.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not the greatest. Their vocalist has a very generic voice and way of singing. This does hurt the band and any way of being unique, but he can sing and you can hear the lyrics. This is a positive so you can understand what the songs are about. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs all about relationships. This is something that seems to be pretty popular with pop punk bands. Having said that, their target audience will certainly be looking for songs with this topic. It does also help that this is pretty generic in songs, so they can hit a wide amount of people with them. Not bad all in all

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.

Atlantic Division have made an album that shows off what the band is all about, and introduces people to their sound. This also gives them something to play shows off of, and have people know the songs. We feel like this band has a bit of a ways to go, but you have to start somewhere to go further. We look forward in seeing what the band comes up with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Pop-Punk/Punk/Rock

Release Date: August 23rd, 2015

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Label: None

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 

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

11 Minutes Away - Picking Up The Pieces

1. The Morning After

2. I'm Sorry...

3. Awkward Silence

4. Stalker

5. Forbidden Love

6. Girl Of My Dreams

7. I Get So Bored

8. My Girlfriend

9. Sixteen Forever

10. Perfect Guy

11. Breakup Anxiety

12. Screw Off

11 Minutes Away have released their debut album titled "Picking Up The Pieces." This album is one that sounds like that faster punk rock from the 90's. they have a fast paced punch and really bring that more traditional punk out. These guys have a similar sound to that of an MXPX, Slick Shoes and even The Ataris, so if you like these bands, you could really like this album. They have done a decent job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright standard.  It has a rough punk standard that seems to go along with artists debut albums for the most part. With a clearer and more crisp recording, it seems like it could be enjoyed more, but it's alright for a first album. The instrumentation on this album isn't too much to write home about either. Yes the band can play, and they can play fast, there isn't really much here to show the band is doing anything that really separates them from other bands in the genre, or really makes you turn an ear. Not band though, they can play.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not the greatest. This has an early blink sound to the vocals, which isn't bad but more like a starting point. The backing vocals are certainly not as strong, which is pretty noticeable. You can hear that there is some potential here, but as of right now, it needs work. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, girls, etc. This seems to be the basis of most of their songs. Those lyrics are a little cliche, and what a lot of bands are singing about, but since this is a first album, it's kind of expected. Hopefully with the next album they get a little more complex in this area.

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 an idea of this album. 

11 Minutes Away have written an album that really shows off their pure punk sound, and give you an idea of the direction and sound of the band. They have done a pretty good job all in all. We can't wait to see what the band comes up with next. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk

Release Date: 2001

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: East End Industries

Orphan Choir - Orphan Choir

1. New Rituals

2. Cross Your Fingers

3. Parable

4. Grave Blanket

5. The Night Nurse

6. Picture Book Of Saints

7. Gravel Tongues

8. Gene Tierney

9. Flat Lines And Dial Tones

10. Bent Keys

Orphan Choir have released their second album, which they have decided to self title. This album has the same sound and feel as their previous EP. These guys have a sound that is comparable to artists such as Junior Battles, Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck and even a Single Mothers, so if you like these bands, you could really like this band. They have a sound that is like indie rock, punk fusion. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent sound. Now the band is going for a grungy, rougher sound than is typically preferred, so it isn't as clear. This doesn't take away from anything, as this has a solid sound regardless. The instrumentation on this album is nothing that is going to really turn your head, but the band can play nice and steady. There is nothing overly great or overly bad here, just straight playing.

Not onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done with a very grungy roughness to them. The vocalist can certainly sing, and the vocals are quite clear, so you can get the idea behind each song pretty easily. All in all, the vocals are pretty decent here, and they pit with the type of music the band is playing. With the lyrics, the band sings songs about the blue collar lifestyle, living life, the things that happen around you a nd more. This band really just goes for humble lyrics and what goes on in a smaller city. We feel that a lot of people who live(d) the small town life, will be able to really relate to these 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 idea of this album.

Orphan Choir have made an album that really expands their repertoire and shows people a grander scale of their work. These guys have done a pretty good job on capturing that indie punk sound and we like it. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think or it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.) 

Genre: Punk/Rock/Indie

Release Date: Oct 9th, 2009

Location: Windsor, Ontario

Label: None

The Saint Alvia Cartel - The Saint Alvia Cartel

1. Karma Kill Me Again

2. Don't Wanna Wait Forever

3. Dirty Dent

4. Try To Forget

5. Time To Go

6. Business As Usual

7. Gimme Til The Morning

8. Blonde Krytonite

9. Unspoken Bond

10. Pacing

11. Carpel Dem Syndrome

12. Dead And Done

13. Stones On The Road

The Saint Alvia Cartel have released their debut album, which they have decided to self title. This album shows the band in a very Reggae Punk type of sound. This is something not a ton of band try but seems to work. They have a similar sound to that of bands like Rancid, Sublime and even Illscarlett, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. These guys have done a really solid job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a fairly decent level. This album sounds great, and it has a crisp sound overall. These guys have done a great job getting a good sounding album. The instrumentation is pretty decent as well here. This band isn't going to wow you too much on this part, but they do a good job incorporating horns and piano into their punk sound. Overall, you can tell these guys know how to play, and most of them have been doing it for quite awhile.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent. The band has multiple members who sing, and they dynamic of the different styles of singing, make this pretty unique. All of the guy can sing, and they are quite clear, so you can hear everything they are saying. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, making something of your life and not letting it just pass by, making thing happen for yourself, When things are falling around you, keep going, and more. These seem to be very positive things that people need to hear. It's nice to hear a band go this route. We feel people will latch on to these lyrics, and are easy to connect with.

If you are looking for a single to this album, both "Don't Wanna Wait Forever" and "Time To Go" are solid tracks, and we would recommend them to anyone. These songs will definitely give you an idea of what this band and album are about.

These guys have made an album that really shows off what the band is about, and what the band can do. This band isn't reinventing the punk wheel, but for Canada, they are making enough noise for this type of music to get a bit of attention. We think they have done a really good job here, and we hope you give this a chance. Listen to it for yourself to make up your mind about the album. They have since called it quits. (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk/Reggae/Rock

Release Date: May 29th, 2007

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: Stomp Records

Metz - Soft Whiteout/Lump Sums

1. Soft Whiteout

2. Lump Sums

Metz have released their debut 2 song EP. These two songs show off a sample of what the band is about and the sound they are going for. They seem to have a chaotic, all over the place, noise sound and style. When listening to this, we get a vibe of The Chariot, Pissed Jeans and Young Widows, so if you are into those bands, you could like this one. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of these two songs, they seem to be recorded pretty solidly, with a bit of a background fuzz to them. Not sure if this is for effect with the style they play or a quality issue, but it doesn't seem to affect the listenability of the two songs. The instrumentation here is nothing too crazy, in a musical ability sense, but the band does go all out and just plays a mess of whatever. They can certainly play, and they play in a very hectic style. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album, they have a grungy, echo effect with them, and they sound very distorted and hard to quite get. He isn't the clearest on here so you could have trouble with the lyrics. The vocalist can sing but other than that, its pretty noisy. With the lyrics, they are interesting. First, with Soft Whiteout, we have no idea what they are talking about. These lyrics give us a very Frank Zappa vibe, and we can't tell what they are trying to say. Lump Sums we think the meaning of the song or what we get from it is, trying to hold onto and do things, only for them to come crashing down when you didn't have a chance to succeed in the beginning. Either way, the lyrics for both songs are pretty interesting.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just listen to the whole thing as it's only two songs, and you w ill get an idea of what this band is all about.

Metz have made a 2 song EP that shows off what they are about and gives you an introduction to them. We aren't really sure what to think about them because this isn't really our thing, but listen to it and give it a chance, you may like it. We look forward to seeing whats next.

Genre: Indie/Punk/Grunge

Release Date: January 13th, 2009

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Website: http://www.metzztem.com/

Label: We Are Busy Bodies

This! Is A Crisis - The Human Condition

1. The Human Condition

2. Bold Hearts

3. Iron Lung

4. This Means War

5. Life Called Critical

This! Is A Crisis have released their debut album titled "The Human Condition". This album shows off the band in a sort of alternative punk sound. They aren't quite punk and not quite rock. This isn't really a new style, but most bands pick one or the other. They have a similar sound to that of One Second 2 Late and Billy Talent, so if you like those bands or the heavier side of Sum 41, you could like this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded pretty well, but you can hear the one notch below a quality recording when you listen. The instrumentation on this album isn't too bad. they can certainly play, and there are glimpses of decent guitar solos. We think the music is solid. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, when looking at the vocals on the album, they need a little bit of work to them when they just straight sing. When hearing the screams, you can rally tell the singer can do them in a rock way. The lyrics are done in a pretty nice and clear way so you can get just what they are saying. All in all, not bad here. With the lyrics, the band seems to go for songs about being lost and trying to fix the world, standing up after being knocked down by someone, pushing someone from hearing the truth and more. These seem like topics quite a lot of people can understand and get behind. This is good so the listener can feel a connection with the band. These lyrics are pretty good. 

If you are looking for a single to this album,  give the song "This Means War" your attention, as it is the best song on the album and gives you an idea of the rest of the album.

This! Is A Crisis have released a debut album that shows you the sound and style they are going for. We can't wait to see what else is here with this band, and what else they can come up with. Not bad. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Punk/Rock

Release Date: July 17th, 2015

Location: Pickering, Ontario

Label: None

Homicide Ventura - Homicide Ventura

1. The Getaway

2. The Trick

3. Kimchee

4. Cause Medic

5. Scarlet

Homicide Ventura have released their debut self titled album. This album has the feel of a faster paced alt rock band. There is something with this band we can't quite put our finger on. These guys have a similar sound to that of Thrice, Chevelle or Thursday. If you are into bands like this, you could like this album. They have done an alright job here. When looking at the recording of this album, the recording quality here isn't the greatest. This album sounds pretty low and needs a brighter, louder, more polished sound to it can be enjoyed more. The instrumentation here isn't bad, but it's nothing to really write home about. These guys can play, but its just good old plain playing. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad, but pretty generic in the rock scene. You can tell he can certainly hit notes, and has a very clear voice. This vocal style feels more taught than natural though with how he holds his notes. Their vocalist can certainly sing, and you can hear him very clearly which is a positive. All in all, not bad on this part. With the lyrics, the band goes for song about running away, rushing things, relationships, and more. These songs seem to have the same sort of symbols, and ideas of cars, running, lights, etc. it would be nice to hear a little more variety here. The meanings in the songs however seem to be ones people can understand and relate to, so this will help out greatly. Not a bad job with the lyrics. If you are looking for a single, there isn't one, so just pick a song and you'll basically get the idea of the whole album. Homicide Ventura have made an album that shows what sound and style the band is going for. We hope that with later releases the band can get better recordings and switch up the lyrics with a thesaurus to say things differently. We'd like to see what comes next here, but this is a start. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rock/Alternative/Punk

Release Date: 2017

Location: Markham, Ontario
Website: https://www.homicideventura.com/

Label: None

The Penske File - Grave Escapes

1. Billboard Happiness

2. Dormant Days

3. Smash Apathy

The Penske File have released their second album titled "Grave Escapes". This three song album, the band has followed with the same sound and style as their debut. They have a pretty dirty punk sound that kinda reminds us of travelling music. They have a similar sound to that of The Flatliners or Brutal Youth, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. When looking at the recording quality on these songs, the album has been recorded to a pretty good level, while having an unpolished sound that feels punk. It is hard to make a recording that doesn't sound bad but also feels punk, and we think they have captured that on these three songs. The instrumentation here is pretty good, nothing to really blow your mind, but they are solidly played, good sounding songs. These guys can play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little hard to get used to. Their singer has a voice that is somewhat whiny, along with the background vocals not being in sink with the singer makes it hard, but also punk. They are a band you can tell just what they are singing about, which makes it nice, and it's pretty clear, just the voice is ehh. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about escaping and playing music, following your dreams, hanging with friends, and just living life. We feel that people can get into these songs, as they seem to really just fit in with what young adults do and how they spend time. Not bad overall. If you are looking for a single, there isn't one, and Dormant Days is only one minute long, so just listen to the whole album to get the idea. The Penske File have made a three song album that shows a snippet of what they are doing after their debut, and gives them more to pull from at shows. We personally don't really feel them that much, but they do hold their place. Not a bad job. Give them a listen to decide for yourself what you think of them. 

Genre: Punk/Punk Rock/Rock

Release Date: October 26th, 2012

Location: Burlington, Ontario
Website: http://www.thepenskefile.net/

Label: None