All posts by Matt Hayes

JTK Asks for a Little Recognition and Healthy Bank Balance on ‘Bands (Money)’

New Brunswick’s own Chijoke Okorie, better known as Josh the Killer or JTK, has settled comfortably into his role as a laid-back yet intense provocateur of the Atlantic Canadian hip-hop scene and flexes his lyrical muscles. “I bench press these beats, cuz I raise bars,” brags Okorie on his latest release, “Bands (money).” Continue reading JTK Asks for a Little Recognition and Healthy Bank Balance on ‘Bands (Money)’

Ben Caplan Takes Time to Look Back on ‘Recollection (Reimagined)’

Ben Caplan has long been one of the east coast’s most enthralling and engaging performers, regardless of whether he is backed by a full band, orchestra, roaring thunderstorm, or performing all by his lonesome. His newest album, “Recollection (reimagined),” is proof of that, with Caplan revisiting his past triumphs with a minimalist solo approach. Continue reading Ben Caplan Takes Time to Look Back on ‘Recollection (Reimagined)’

Hillsburn Offer a Glimmer of Hope in the Midst of Despair on ‘Slipping Away’

Day-to-day living has become such a burden for so many of us in recent years, and for a sadly growing variety of reasons. The struggles, hardships, and barriers (sometimes self-inflicted as Hillsburn will address) have become a horrendously relatable weight we all rise to. Yet amidst all the depression, detachment, disenchantment, and despair; we find glimmers of hope and hopefully that is what Slipping Away leaves listeners feeling. Continue reading Hillsburn Offer a Glimmer of Hope in the Midst of Despair on ‘Slipping Away’

The Town Heroes Nail ’90s Nostalgia of a Bittersweet Cape Breton Summer on ‘Home’

For a couple of increasingly middling in age men, Michael S Ryan and Bruce Gillis sure seem in tune with their inner teen. Following their last release, Again, where they showcased the more expansive acoustic sound on past favourites; the Town Heroes return home in more ways than one. Continue reading The Town Heroes Nail ’90s Nostalgia of a Bittersweet Cape Breton Summer on ‘Home’

Vince the Messenger Doesn’t Hold Back on ‘Trustfall’

Vince the Messenger brings a thoughtful and poignant mix of bravado, aggression, and sensitivity to his sophomore effort Trustfall. This most recent set finds our Prince Edward Island MC striking a somber mix of confrontational and introspective as he unleashed his perspective to listeners. Continue reading Vince the Messenger Doesn’t Hold Back on ‘Trustfall’