In memory of Corey Woodrich. Rock in peace.
Windsor-based metal prog rock with an intense apocalyptic maybe-not-so-distant future narrative. The most densely concise concept album we’ve done on AFL, its Siren Phase’s Origins EP. Dylan muses on the influences of H.R. Gieger in sci-fi, and Jess recounts her experience with The Purge franchise. Check them out at sirenphase.bandcamp.com for this and more releases from them!
A return to funky form, we’ve got a new release from Felix’s Belt (previously known as Thunderfunk) and things get groovy. Building on their previous work, the band takes funk, soul, gospel, jazz and 70’s bachelor pad organ sounds to new heights, tightly executed on a 5-track no filler record. Get in the loop!
Shiny 80s brit pop meets indie rock shoe gaze with Toronto’s Alvvays. Blending new wave synths with hints of distorted guitar tones, their second release Antisocialites has range in every sense. Sonically massive, it’s a spacious and colourful record that is both washy and crisp. Masterful production, honest and dynamic emotional moments, and an ode to Jim Reid (Jesus and Mary Chain) make this sophomore record a perfect introduction to their sound.
Strictly Purple‘s Forgotten Songs EP is a mixed bag of folksy-stripped down shoegaze with two contrasting vocalists and great ambient synths. At their best when sharing a tune, Adam and Amina bring together strength and vulnerability, creating both smoothly, haunting surrealism and rougher emotionally raw takes. Forgotten Songs these will not be.
Inner circle lovers rejoice. You can hear Yanis’ newest release through us ONLY! Shout out to wakinglifestudios.com where this track was produced. First time clients receive their first track free, so check them out RIGHT NOW because we ain’t gettin any younger.
Jesse sits down with Jamie Reaume to talk music biz etiquette, collaboration and the team we don’t always see, the philosophy of creation, and how Windsor and Toronto’s music scene’s vary greatly. BONUS exclusive FIRST listen of Yanis’ newest track, only available through AFL, In The Land of Ooo. Get in the loop!
Steely metal guitar riffs with sweaty classic rock rhythms and a soaring powerhouse vocal, The Lad Classic’s Rectifier is a beast of an album. For newbies to the genre, this may convert you. The inclusion of several acoustic versions of selected hard hitting tracks is also a great gateway, and showcases the band’s individual strengths. Check them out at theladclassic.com!
After a very successful CD release, Phill and Jess get in depth on what it takes to make a record, how Toronto’s music scene has changed in the last decade, and what Phill’s journey as an artist was like from Newfoundland to the Big Smoke. Soon to come: live footage from the AFL 2nd Anniversary show. Phill Hood and the Exclamation’s debut release Detour available now!
On today’s episode we get into The Stereo Division and their latest release, Love is in Motion. It’s airy, watercolour, shoegaze heavy on synths and sex appeal. Check out their music video for Fire Brigade! Dylan digs into how they build a formula and find ways to play within it, and Jess reluctantly admits that a record with little focus on lyrics can wash over you in a great way (and this one did). Perfect pairing to a romantic night in, a quiet meditation or as the backdrop to summer evening by the water. Come see us July 19th at The Hideout for our AFL 2nd Anniversary Showcase and get in the loop!
Just a few more sleeps until AFL 2nd Anniversary Showcase! On this episode, Yanis joins me for iced tea and takes over as host of Tea & Table Talk. We get into the podcast’s inner workings, how journalism and music criticism influence us as musicians, the upcoming showcase, and I share details of my original projects currently in the works. Come out to The Hideout Wednesday July 19th to hear Yanis and company live (myself included). Get in the loop!