The PapercutsCan’t Go Back(GNOMONSONG)The Papercuts’ latest defies its title with a resurrection of the jangling backdrops to early Bob Dylan tracks or Neil Young’s complacent country moments. The overall construction, though, is more complex, cleaner and clearly modern. Jason Quever’s voice plunks into the centre of each song but drifts in and out with a […]
Laura Trethewey
Posted inArts + Music
Laura Veirs
Laura VeirsSaltbreakers(Nonesuch)If there was any justice in the world of mainstream music, Laura Veirs would kick Avril Lavigne from the spotlight. Saltbreakers deftly delivers a well-rounded handful of songs. The faithful guitar that bulwarked her earlier material is largely replaced by a rock band and electronic polish. The album is also schizophrenic, casting wistful glances […]
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Panda Bear
Panda BearPerson Pitch(Pawtracks)In early April, Panda Bear (AKA Noah Lennox) posted the lyrics to his latest album Person Pitch on his MySpace. Lucky for finicky listeners his bubbly wash of sun-soaked, insouciant melodies drowns out the words, but still buoys the Brian Wilson-lilt of his voice. A quarter of Animal Collective, Panda Bear is at […]
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Getting Better
Angst-filled lyrics and an adolescent following too-often compel listeners to pigeonhole bands with the overused and under-defined emo label. Hamilton-based rock band, The Reason has both requirements in spades. But rather than burst into tears when asked if he considers his band emo, frontperson Adam White answers the question soberly. “I still haven’t figured it […]