Artists are truly some of Earth’s most beautiful creatures. Visual and textile artists decorate space, musicians and singers decorate time, and some others, such as filmmakers and actors, can combine to decorate both at once.
It’s equally remarkable when an artist can so seamlessly move between mediums, and indie-pop newcomer Brandon Howard Roy, who boasts a background in drama, does just that in his debut album, Tough Stuff. Overloaded with personality and backed up by a dexterous ensemble of some of the East Coast’s finest musicians, the Charlottetown singer-songwriter has struck artistic gold. Continue reading Brandon Howard Roy Hits a Home-Run on Debut Album ‘Tough Stuff’
Tag Archives: Album Review
Yelverton Undertow Release ‘Lakes’ After a Nineteen-Year Wait
April 2020 was a month of unprecedented shifts across Canada. Coming off the back of COVID-19’s arrival in the country, individuals and organizations from coast to coast were coming up with their own responses to this now-familiar way of life.
CBC Newfoundland saw an opportunity and took it, framing that month’s RPM (Record Production Month) Challenge as “Stay Home, Make Music.”
Rob Rodgers and Matthew Thompson, two old friends from St. John’s, took it a few steps further and emerged with one of the most impressive two-person jobs on the East Coast. Thus was the birth of Yelverton Undertow’s Lakes EP. Continue reading Yelverton Undertow Release ‘Lakes’ After a Nineteen-Year Wait
Troy Alistair Bring the Groove with Self-Titled Full-Length
After having announced a delay on the release this past summer, Troy Alistair is coming out with their self-titled debut album. With two sold-out shows at The Carleton bookending the release, the Halifax-based group is presenting a collection that showcases the eclectic sounds and influences they bring together. A high energy affair with solid musicianship, Troy Alistair is a bustling listen from start to finish. Continue reading Troy Alistair Bring the Groove with Self-Titled Full-Length
Jon Hines Takes up the Torch of East Coast Blues on ‘Down to Funk’
Blues music often takes a backseat nowadays. Sure, the White Stripes and Black Keys have done their best to spark a resurgence in but, despite an overwhelming amount of contemporary blues-inspiring burdens, the genre finds itself devoid of suitable torch-bearers. Enter Jon Hines. Continue reading Jon Hines Takes up the Torch of East Coast Blues on ‘Down to Funk’
Kylie Fox Shines as a Storyteller on ‘Green’
Kylie Fox’s Green, her first full-length album, finds itself perpetually amidst poignant intersections. The selection of songs found on the album has the Saint John singer-songwriter with her head ever on a swivel between nostalgia and now, love and loss, or home and the road. These contrasting components blend with her distinctly Joni Mitchell-influenced style into a thoughtful, heartfelt delight of an album. Continue reading Kylie Fox Shines as a Storyteller on ‘Green’