In The Battle Years, the first LP from Hillsburn, opens harmonies blazing with a burst of energy. The Halifax quintet sounds like a stomp and holler choir grafted to a horn section filtered through folk-pop, falling somewhere between New Americana and Deep Canadian Indie. Which is to say, they cover a lot of ground. This eclectic collection of deftly narrated songs will keep you on your toes in two ways: there’s no way to anticipate what’s coming next and you’re bound to find yourself tapping along incessantly. Continue reading New Music: Hillsburn’s ‘In The Battle Years’
All posts by Hilary Ladd
Grimross: Science With Stephen
Amidst the bustling storefront of Grimross Brewing Co. in Fredericton where patrons are quietly enjoying a pint, their stools scraping and glasses clinking over the murmur of conversation, Stephen Dixon’s eyes dance. He is quietly and very animatedly expounding upon the functions of yeasts, lactic acids, and adjuncts, and the characteristics they create in craft beer. This is not a riveting conversation for the uninitiated, but the passion with which Dixon explains it is engrossing enough to make anyone a microbiology nerd for a few minutes. Continue reading Grimross: Science With Stephen
Open Arts 31: The Four Temperaments
The music mesmerizes, creating a transient experience leading listeners into non-linear moments. There is no distinguishing between our senses—they mould into one as the oscillators take their toll. Does my enjoyment come from repetition of theme and melody? Or is it the three drinks I’ve consumed already…I have been induced into a hypnotic state of abandon. The phlegmatic piece creates a melancholic kind of desire. The sanguine leaves me insatiable. The room is dark. The drinks are strong. My heart beat slows to meet the tempo of the music. Continue reading Open Arts 31: The Four Temperaments
In Review: Red Necklace Productions’ ‘It’s All The Rage’
Art has always been used as a platform for social commentary. Shakespeare’s Othello taught us about gender inequality and racism. Picasso’s Guernica was a statement against atrocious Nazi bombings. Red Necklace Productions’ It’s All The Rage, directed by Alicia Drisdelle, exposes this generation’s biggest double edged sword—social media. Continue reading In Review: Red Necklace Productions’ ‘It’s All The Rage’
New Music: The Galpines ‘Truck’
The Galpines album, Truck, will appeal to two types of people: those who appreciate irony and those who think that irregardless is a real word. If you’re reading this I hope you’re the former, otherwise you’re about to get right pissed at me. Continue reading New Music: The Galpines ‘Truck’