All posts by Brandon Lorimer

Ava Strange Generates Psyched Up Glam on ‘Expecting’

While glam tends to be on the fringiest of fringes in the musical world nowadays, it’s still alive and evolving along with the march of trends. There are still plenty who channel its glittering, swaggered influence both visually and sonically. Saint John artist Ava Strange is one of those aforementioned torch-bearers, and he has cranked up the freaky-deaky hypnotic vibes to 11 with his latest EP Expecting. Continue reading Ava Strange Generates Psyched Up Glam on ‘Expecting’

Behrooz Mihankhah Weaves Iranian-Jazz Fusion on ‘Lydium’

The east coast has been a veritable hotbed of scintillating jazz this year. Across the broad spectrum of the genre, we’ve been seeing artful works of fusion and soothing, traditional sounds. And now Behrooz Mihankhah, an Iranian-born and Halifax-based pianist, is unveiling a piece that weaves his distinct musical heritage into hallmarks of jazz beautifully. Mihankhah’s “Lydium” is nothing short of tantalizing, and is a reminder of jazz’s impactful malleability. Continue reading Behrooz Mihankhah Weaves Iranian-Jazz Fusion on ‘Lydium’

Maureen Batt & Grej Explore the Tides of Grief on ‘Lighthouse’

To grapple with true loss through the medium of art is a noble and difficult feat. Grief is one of the most vulnerable processes we go through as humans, and to take that journey and share our experience of it with the world can be a harrowing thought. But with so much to be gained in facing those explorations, the pair of Maureen Batt and Grej have chosen to face that challenge in their new album Lighthouse, a contemplative and dynamic work that weaves classical and electronic ideas into a powerful soundscape. Continue reading Maureen Batt & Grej Explore the Tides of Grief on ‘Lighthouse’

The Vesuvius Big Band’s Debut Live Album is a Noir Eruption

Artists have emerged from the draught of live work and are understandably incredibly eager to jump into venue-shaped oases with audiences once more. With the hopeful return of live performances this year, we are surely in for a surge of live albums over the next while. And making their debut with a live recording, The Vesuvius Big Band has captured an absolutely riveting snapshot of venturesome, volatile jazz on Live At Open Waters Festival. Continue reading The Vesuvius Big Band’s Debut Live Album is a Noir Eruption

waants Delivers Sunset Dance Floor Dreams on Debut ‘Love U Forever’

Many an artist has pivoted towards solo work after their own group’s departure. This can be tough, both with longtime fans holding so much expectation for future work as well as the simple difference of relying more on oneself. But with his time as the frontman and force behind Halifax indie-rock favourite Glory Glory in the rearview, Adam Warren is moving into inspiring new territory as waants, and his debut Love U Forever is here and ready for your summer soundtrack. Continue reading waants Delivers Sunset Dance Floor Dreams on Debut ‘Love U Forever’