An exciting first for the show, we have a new release from a great band we featured last year, it’s the return of Return for Refund, with Lift You Up. True to their hard rocking form, it’s cheeky, raw and as is often the case with second releases, it feels lived in and self-aware. But this record digs deeper into some heavy themes and Jesse’s theory about it being a concept album totally blows Dylan’s mind. Get in the loop, and get stoked for out 2nd anniversary showcase July 19th!
Tag Archives: Toronto
Episode 46: Tea & Table Talk w/ Charlie McKittrick
Today’s episode is a very special new segment of AFL: Tea & Table Talk. Jesse invites musicians to her kitchen table for tea and, well, talking. Charlie McKittrick sat down to discuss his journey from drummer extraordinaire (TimeGiant, Phill Hood!, Foreign Film Star and a billion others) to singer-songwriter and his debut solo record. It’s an insightful, vulnerable, occasionally heavy discussion, and well worth a listen. Charlie opens our No Soul Safe showcase April 8th so get in the loop already!
Episode 35: PUP
One of Dylan’s personal faves, we tackled PUP’s second full release, The Dream is Over. These Toronto-based punk rockers are reinvigorating the genre, making a fan out of Jesse, and managing to pull themes of depression, death, angst and acceptance into a solid and varied record. With as many complex narratives as there are straightforward loud-fun-angry tracks, it’s a safe bet to say their dream is only beginning.
Episode 23: Yanis
Folk, blue-eyed soul, call it what you will. Yanis’EP Queen Kari is a distinctly emotive and personal record, full of powerful imagery and the heartaches of youth, familial dysfunction, loss, and love. Warm, wispy vocals, inventive steel guitar and highly evocative lyrics make this a new favourite for AFL. Jess asks Yanis on air to join the bill for the anniversary show, and Dylan reads an email from the man himself personally thanking him for purchasing the record. This is what it’s all about people. Get in the loop!
Episode 20: The Consumer Goods and In The City (w/ JW Blakeley and Phill Hood)!
Whew! It’s a big one folks. But Jess promises it’s worth it. JW takes us behind the curtain on Tyler Shipley’s political indie pop outfit and its rotation of musicians, and sheds light on the upcoming gossamer-pop In the City tunes yet to be released (yay sneak peek!). Phill Hood, JW’s longtime bandmate and front man for Phill Hood and the !! stuck around to make JW blush by comparing his melodic bass style to Paul McCartney. If you want giggles, anecdotes, and two very different records to get into, this is the one. Get in the loop! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE END!!!!
Best of 2015
Dylan and Jess had a LOT to say about the fantastic bands we’ve had on AFL, so to celebrate a new year, we take a trip back through the most controversial, most memorable, and most hilarious clips and bloopers from 2015. If you’re new to our show, enjoy a taste of what we’ve done and stay tuned for what’s to come. Happy New Year!
Episode 12: In Divine Providence (Part 2)
Peace, love and happiness are what it’s all about on In Divine Providence‘s Lightside. Part 2 of his double album (and our double episode) is another complex and divisive record, but this time with more summery tunes and good vibrations. Get in the loop!
Episode 8: Return for Refund
A satire of douche culture AND all the grimy dueling guitar riffs you can stand? It’s metal-rock face-melters Return for Refund and their self-titled debut EP. Jess warms up to some headbanger anthems and Dylan maintains that if you think they might be up your alley, you’re probably right. And if you’re in the Toronto area, you can SEE THESE DUDES CRUSH IT LIVE July 11 at Lee’s Palace. Come teach Jesse how to do the metal horns/ears/thing with her hands. Get in the loop!