LOVELESS SOUNDS

Here is where I share my favourite Canadian bands, review their albums/concerts, and announce some upcoming shows, especially in Edmonton (AB, Canada). If you have any suggestions/comments, please drop me a message.

[pigeonbreeders]

TOMORROW!

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JUNG PEOPLE http://jungpeople.bandcamp.com/

Founded in late 2010 by childhood friends Bryan Buss and Jordan Bassi after attending the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. Although instrumental, their idealisms and morals regarding Animal Liberation and Social Awareness are displayed heavily into their album art, song titles, T-shirt designs and online presence. Despite the bands inherent punk-rock spirit, the music plays in contrast with its melodic and positive nature.

By 2013 Jung People had played 90+ gigs across Canada and opened for artists such as Crystal Castles, Olafur Arnolds, BRAIDS, Rene Hell and Pick A Piper along with playing 2013’s SXSW Austin, TX and Canadian Music Week in Toronto, CA.

Jung People have recently recorded their first full length studio album entitled ‘Gold Bristle’ produced by Howard Bilerman (Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Arcade Fire)

Gold Bristle is the golden pig of the Norse god Freyr, and is one of the only moments in history where a pig has been glorified in good deed.

This story follows a carousal of pigs through their journey of innocence and their unknown fate. Breathing fact into the lungs of legend, a golden pig is born, who sings the hiding gospel of certainty, and liberates his friends and family into wilderness, the original home.

PIGEON BREEDERS http://pigeonbreeders.bandcamp.com/

Pigeon Breeders are an experimental trio that formed in 2011. Noted as being “one of the more meditative crown-jewels of Edmonton’s experimental/free-improv scene” (Weird Canada), their performances have been described as “gently unsettling washes of sound … intelligent, beautiful sonic art” (Oliver Arditi).

The group’s live collaborators include Jung People, Connor O’Brien (Flint, ex-Fuck the Tundra), Brooklyn-based avant-trumpteter Nate Wooley, and local filmmaker Lyndsay McIntyre. To date, they have put out six releases, four of which are on the local Ramshackle Day Parade experimental music label.

SLOW GIRL WALKING http://slowgirlwalking.bandcamp.com/

An exciting new group with fresh shoegaze vibes. Featuring members of Diamond Mind and Gender Poutine.

Wunderbar $10 9pm

[caro-loveless]

One of Edmonton's best pop bands, Diamond Mind (http://diamondmindofficial.bandcamp.com/), just released their first video!!! Watch it and Indulge yourself in soul-warming tunes and unique cult-like visuals. 

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondmindofficial

[caro-loveless]

A dreamy voice in Edmonton, Mascara Hera

Mascara Hera, an anagram for Sarah MacRae, the now twelfth grader mind behind this project, has two very impressive EPs on her bandcamp (http://mascarahera.bandcamp.com/) ready for you to listen. In spite of her  youth, which seems to be problematic at the time of playing at most venues, Mascara Hera's sound seemed to have substantially matured between the albums Cape and Lanitra. Cape (http://mascarahera.bandcamp.com/album/cape) plays with an experimental approach to ambient music and chillwave. Whereas Lanitra (http://mascarahera.bandcamp.com/album/lanitra) is more focused, written around the concept of emotional distance, as when you are in a long distance relationship or very close to somebody but feeling disconnected. The end result: Nebulous dreampop and shoegaze sounds, with ethereal vocal harmonies.  

I had the pleasure to ask Mascara Hera about her influences, which did not involve Cocteau Twins as I first thought, and on other of her unique personal characteristics like her sweater collection (which seems to make her very proud). She gets her inspiration from diverse artists such as Radio wire empire, Yasukata Nakata, Slowdive, Natureboy, Warm Ghost, Emily Haines, Edith Piaf and any girl group Phil Spector produced. Anyhow, listen to her music. I highly recommend it, and can't wait to listen to more of what she has to offer.

Bandcamp: http://mascarahera.bandcamp.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mascarahera

[caro-loveless]

KINDEST CUTS' EP OUT AND FOR SALE

Well, well, well...It seems that the first EP by Kindest Cuts, Patrick Short's solo project, is out and for sale (only $7). Dark synth-pop that will just push you to dance. Patrick's monotone voice, reminiscent of David Gahan's, adds a particular and undeniable sexiness to the tracks. Just lower the lights, play the album, and let yourself go.  

Link to EP: http://kindestcuts.bandcamp.com/album/kindest-cuts

Facebook page (so you can click "like"): https://www.facebook.com/kindestcuts

[caro-loveless]

The Lad Mags/ Betrayers/ The Strugglefucks TONIGHT @ WUNDI!

Yo Edmonton, come show your love and support to bless our hometown favourites, the Lad Mags and Betrayers, before they go on tour. The Strugglefucks will be opening this great night. So yeah, get your ass there. Doors at 9PM

The Lad Mags: http://theladmags.bandcamp.com/ Betrayers: http://thebetrayers.bandcamp.com/ The Strugglefucks: http://strugglefucks.bandcamp.com/

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/231159347038355/

[caro-loveless]

Diamond Mind playing tonight at Avenue Theatre! (EDMONTON)

If you're in the mood for catchy and heart-warming pop songs, you should totally check out Diamond Mind at Avenue Theatre (9030 118 Ave- Doors @ 8PM). Tickets are only $12 and you can get them at the door or online at http://yeglive.ca/events/woodpigeon/oct-7-2013/avenuetheatre

Listen to them here: http://diamondmindofficial.bandcamp.com/

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/641526595865734/

[caro-loveless]

NO JOY + ALEX CALDER TONIGHT @ THE PAWN SHOP

Yeah, so tonight (September 30th) these beautiful bands will be playing at the Pawn Shop. Tickets are around $12 or so (it's $10 plus some weird fees). Doors open @ 8PM.

No Joy

Awesome shoegaze band from Montreal. Not that long ago I posted an interview that the awesome Tumblr Clank for did with this band. Here it goes again:   http://clankforbreakfast.tumblr.com/post/57696666242/nojoyinterview

www.facebook.com/nojoymusic

nojoy.bandcamp.com

Alex Calder

Local shoegaze artist that I never heard of before. Excited to see this guy.

http://capturedtracks.com/artists/alex-calder/

---

And I think there's another guest band but I cannot find which one it is.

Buy tickets online: http://yeglive.ca/events/no-joy/sep-30-2013/pawnshop

Or they may sell them at the Pawn Shop itself and have some tickets left at Blackbyrd Myooziuk as well.

[caro-loveless]

THIS WEEKEND IN EDMONTON!

Hey everyone! So this weekend I have no idea what I'm doing. There are many awesome shows going on, and some at the very same time (of course).

Before I post here which shows I'm considering attending, I would like to ask people to come out to the march Take back the Night 2013, Friday September 27th at 6PM. It's mainly to stop violence against women. I won't be able to attend because I got tickets long ago to see Anna Maria Tremonti, an awesome CBC radio host and journalist. But I'd like to encourage everyone to support this cause and help raise awareness. So be cool and share it, mk? More information by clicking on the link below.

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/216429948481086/

-- I have no time to review the bands, but I might write something after the fact. Just know that you'll have fun if you go to any of these.

Friday September 27 (Today)

UPON THE ARCTIC SELF// NADIR BELLAMER// THE ACTA NON VERBA BAND// SMALL TOWN KNIFE FIGHT// RUBBER NURSE @ Bohemia

UPON THE ARCTIC SHELF http://uponthearcticshelf.bandcamp.com/ NADIR BELLAMER is too cool for the internet THE ACTA NON VERBA BAND http://actanonverba.bandcamp.com/ SMALL TOWN KNIFE FIGHT http://smalltownknifefight.com/ RUBBER NURSE http://rubbernurse.bandcamp.com/ Doors at 8 Music at 8:30 $10 18+

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/578561858872904/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

JEALOUSY MOUNTAIN DUO// CORPSE HUG// EVAN A JAMES @ Cha Island

As described on the Facebook event (link below)

"RAMSHACKLEDAYPARADE PRESENTS ==================================== Jealousy Mountain Duo - Germany's experimental/post-rock/no-wave maestros Jealousy Mountain Duo are touring Canada, and will be stopping by Cha Island to melt your face with their insane guitar/drum shredding/pounding. http://jealousymountainduo.bandcamp.com/ Corpse Hug - Edmonton duo's second show in town. Two piece loops/not loops, vocals, toys, fiddle, etc. Expect everything. Evan A James - Ambient swells 4 days, drones 4 weeks http://phokingtapes.bandcamp.com/album/swell "

$5 - 8:00 P.M.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1386849488213475/?ref=25

B.A JOHNSTON// KRANG// THE STRUGGLEFUCKS @ WUNDI

B.A. Johnston http://www.bajohnston.ca/ Krang http://krangalang.bandcamp.com/ The Strugglefucks http://strugglefucks.bandcamp.com/ 18+ 9PM $10

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/201701913329761/?ref=25

Saturday September 28 (Tomorrow)

Advanced Screening of the Shred Island Documentary @ Wundi

As described in the Facebook link:

"Come see an advanced screening of a documentary, by Mack Lamoureux, chronicling the impromptu Shred Island music festival. It runs approximately half an hour long and is being shown in one of the venues that hosted the music festival, the Wunderbar. Documentary on at eight, I would suggest coming early. Afterwards enjoy a stellar concert featuring some of Alberta's greatest garage rock bands; Arrowz, Jeremy Clarckson, and The Nancees ."

ARROWZ http://arrowz.bandcamp.com/ THE NANCEES https://www.facebook.com/thenancees JEREMY CLARKSON https://myspace.com/dirtyjeremyclarkson

18+ -$5 (money will be donated to Red Cross Flood Relief) -Free with tickets for that nights concert ($10).

Facebook link for the movie: https://www.facebook.com/events/731571083525753/?ref=25

Facebook link for the concert: https://www.facebook.com/events/196877483824907/

And I thought there was another show going on that I wanted to go to on Saturday but can't find it. So yeah, have fun.

Caro

[caro-loveless]

FOGGY NOTIONS SUSSED ALBUM RELEASE!

My life is going through some major changes, and consequently have been neglecting this Tumblr. I meant to post so many things, but don't have time/energy to do so. Just right now I can write a nice review of Sussed by The Foggy Notions. I've been very vocal in the past about my love for this Saskatoon band. Plus, they are SUPER NICE people, and sent me a copy of this wonderful album even before it was available online, so THANK YOU GUYS! Actually, I was gone to LA during the time that they had their album release show in Saskatoon and I was going to post about it (had it written and everything) but the connection failed me. I was kind of hoping that they would come to Edmonton around this time and wanted to praise the album then, but I don't think it's happening any time soon. So now it's the time!

Compared to their previous record, "Beginning to see", "Sussed" has a fresher sound, with very distinct catchy and sweet dream pop songs. You can tell its shoegaze and early 90s Brit bands influences (e.g., Stone Roses), but still creating their unique sound. Anyhow, just listening to it, makes you feel in a better mood. I find myself sometimes humming their songs while doing dishes, or walking around, and believe me the same thing will happen to you after you listen to it!

The album opens with "One comes out alive", which is an upbeat song, and has some awesome 90s-like keyboards, perfect to open the album and a personal favourite. Once the song is over, there's a crescendo into "Shimmer". In this song, Janice's soothing vocals are more prominent, transporting you into a softer world. "Won't take long" has more of psychedelic vibe, and the keyboards in this song are perfect! "What's the difference" follows, this song was the teaser of the album and I already reviewed it in the past and said "This tune is like being in the middle of a sunflower field turning and sunbathing under a beautiful clear sky."- I still think the same. "Love theme" is a simple but whimsical pop song sung entirely by beautiful Janice (I think I have a girl crush on her). Then, "Happiness" gets more upbeat, another catchy power pop song. "Nastro Elettrico", an instrumental trippy song, leads the way to "Into the ocean", another spot-on dream pop hit for me. Last, but definitively not least, one of my favourite songs of the album (I think I have too many favourites but whatever) and the perfect way to end this awesome project, "Sgt. Cribbs".

I don't know how much thought they put into the order of the songs, but the album flows seamlessly. I was already a fan of this band, and "Sussed" only reinforced my feelings. I just can't wait to hear them playing live, because they sound amazing. Just take a listen to it, all the hard copies are sold out I believe, but you can get the download for $7. It's nothing, and you'd be supporting one of the best Canadian bands. If don't believe me, just listen to their songs. You can do that for free just by clicking down the link here.

Link to the album: http://thefoggynotions.bandcamp.com/

[caro-loveless]

THANK YOU DAVID FERRIS! (The end of Endless Bummer)

"Thank you David Ferris" was either the opening or closing line of every band playing for this Endless Bummer festival. And we are all so grateful to this individual that put this together at such a cheap price. I mean, this has been the cheapest music festival I've ever been so far. EVER. In spite of the price, I really needed something like Endless Bummer to happen, and I have the feeling that I wasn't the only one. It's been a great Summer for Edmonton in terms of the amount of festivals that happened around here (e.g., Bermuda Festival, Shred Island, etc.). I don't know if I missed it, but I didn't see this much going on last Summer for sure. Endless Bummer was the perfect occasion to wrap it all up. Personally, my Summer was a very shitty one, and the only times I look back and feel that I enjoyed myself was at concerts and shows. So this was like the cherry on top of the cake. 

From Wednesday till Sunday, tons of the best (or worst?) local and nearby (Calgary, Grande Prairie, etc.) bands played at different venues around Edmonton. It was so much fun! I was a bit saturated because I'm the introvert type who gets emotionally exhausted just by being outside of her house. But still, I enjoyed myself way more than I expected, probably because I socialized with many lovely individuals.

Now, let's talk about MUSIC. There are a couple of bands I missed and I REALLY wanted to see. Some of my local favourites, like Post-Namers, Pigeon Breeders, Banshee, etc.; and some that I haven't seen live yet, like Modern Aquatics, Royal Iguana Fur, and the Strugglefucks. And probably I missed other awesome shows as well. Then I went to see some bands that I knew were going to be amazing, and wouldn't disappoint, like Powder Blue. Even though I loved most things I've seen, I'd like to highlight and comment some of the shows I've been to that I think deserve some extra attention:

The Bloody Circuits

The Bloody circuits are a group of super talented young individuals from Grande Prairie, although I don't really know which planet they came from. I don't recall having posted on these guys yet, but if I did I don't care. I LOVE the music they make. It's very dark, post-punky, dancey and noisy shoegaze. They're also part of the Peace Country Diaspora clan, organized by GP sweetheart, Matthew A. Wilkinson.

https://soundcloud.com/thebloodycircuits

http://peacecountrydiaspora.blogspot.ca/

Tomahonqii

Another band from Grande Prairie. One of the members of The Bloody Circuits, Dan, playing guitar, and crazy good drummer Jacob making some instrumental free-form blackgaze. They may not have anything recorded yet, I believe. At least I couldn't find anything on the net, so keep your eyes and ears open and watch out for these guys.

Meat Force

Experimental ambient and noise coupled with mash up videos on an old TV, plus a projector, make this a complete musical and visual experience. I've been wanting to see this man in action for a while now, and he didn't let me down.

http://meatforce.bandcamp.com/

Neurocancer

More guys from Grande Prairie, and again without a link I can post here. Ugh! I think that this time Grande Prairie stole the show for me... Anyhow, these played some neat low fi and noise pop songs. So yeah, if you see them around just go see them. Don't be lame.

Nolan Bossert

I love to be surprised, and this dude totally blew my mind. Nolan is one of the members of the Strugglefucks, who I always mean to go see but every time something comes up. He pretty much is a one-man band, playing guitar and double kick pedal with a snare and a base drum. It's just him, but he sounds SO good. He plays very raw and simple garage songs, but he kicks ass. Again, no link, but I'm leaving you with a video of him I found online so you have and idea of what I'm talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS9Lg-vJcUY

The Wizards

Maybe I already mentioned that I'm a sucker for surf-rock, and these Saskatoon guys are pretty rad. They also played a song in Spanish, which made them get extra points.

http://wizardmusic.bandcamp.com/

BOOSH!

These guys closed Saturday night at the BSC and the place was out of control. The show was so much fun, they had a screen displaying some familiar screens from old school video games and play sick chiptune music. Something you shouldn't miss out for sure!

https://soundcloud.com/booshaok

So that was that. And again the closing line is "Thank you David Ferris!" <3

[caro-loveless]

HI EDMONTON! I've been on a 2 week holiday, and I'm going back home tonight. Therefore, I will be missing the first night of the ENDLESS BUMMER FESTIVAL happening at the Pawn Shop at 8PM. 

If you haven't noticed yet, this picture is the schedule for the next "4 days of the worst music festival in Edmonton", as depicted on the website. There are SO many bands I want to go see! They are mostly from Edmonton, but there are some from Calgary, Saskatoon, and Grande Prairie. There will be a beautiful range of genres, from ambient, experimental, surf, rock, punk, folk, to porn (?). Luckily, it's just $15 bucks for all the shows so you can go around the venues and check out bands. Unless you're dead, there will be something you will like, trust me. I think there's a price assigned to each show, and some free ones (see schedule), just in case you want to be lame and not pay $15 to see tons of bands. But that wouldn't be cool, and you want to be cool right? Right!

Ok, so this is what you're going to do. Go to this website: http://www.endlessbummer.ca/

Now, check the schedule, if you don't know the band, go to the bands tab and click on the link assigned to the band and see if you like it. If you don't know where to go, look under the venues tab. Then call your friends and/ or family, tell them to go with you, and just have a good time.

I will probably be reviewing the bands I see after the fact, but there are some I already recommended in the past. I'm about to board the plane so I have no time to go into much detail. Hope to see your gorgeous faces around these shows! Peace!

[caro-loveless]

Shows you may not want to miss tonight and tomorrow in Edmonton!

I'll be out of town tomorrow, and tonight I kind of already have plans/tons of things to do before I leave. Therefore, the short post. But, if I could I would totally go to these shows:

GHOST COUSIN/ JUNG PEOPLE/ MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN

Tonight, August 21st!

Where? Wundi, How much? $8, Doors open at 8:30 PM 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/145548148984311/?ref=25

EGYPTRIXX, BORYS, WIND ROSE, SHAWN PINCHBECK, SKRUNTSKRUNT, AND PIGEON BREEDERS

Tomorrow, August 22nd!

Man, I'm very mad I'm missing this one.

Where? Pawnshop, How much? They're $12 online (although with fees and stuff it might be a bit more expensive, but still cheap for the bands that are playing!), Doors open at 7:30

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/369089389883359/

[caro-loveless]

Moon King + Majical Cloudz tonight (August 16th) at the Brixx (Edmonton)

This weekend I've got some family visiting which kind of restricts my free time... But I'm ditching them to go see Moon King (for more awesome songs click here www.soundcloud.com/moon_king) from Toronto, who are playing with Majical Cloudz (https://soundcloud.com/majical-cloudz) from Montreal. Now, I won't lie, I'm mainly excited about Moon king, who seem to be very upbeat and fun with very dreamlike tunes, which I love. Majical Cloudz can be categorized as mellow synth pop, characterized by sad songs. I'm not sure whether I'll stay to see them, but hey you should give them a chance!

They'll be playing at the Brixx (10030 - 102 Street), doors open at 8PM, and it's $12. Hope to see you guys there!

[clankforbreakfast]

Happy, sad, pretty, ugly

Two and a half years after serving the delicious debut menu “Ghost Blonde”, the Canadian band recently unleashed their second album. Entitled “Wait To Pleasure”, fuzz-driven, crunchy wall-of-sound waves are flirting heavily with darkly tinted and melodic color...

[caro-loveless]

Awesome Tumblr that I follow religiously, Clank for Breakfast, had this posted on a Canadian band from Montreal. Give it a read and a listen by clicking on the title =)

[caro-loveless]

BERMUDA FESTIVAL AND GOLDEN WEST MUSIC FEST!

I'm stupidly busy, and I won't be able to make a nice post... But whatever, the important thing is that there are two main music festivals happening in and nearby Edmonton. Let's quickly go over them:

BERMUDA FESTIVAL!!!

Taking place mainly at Wunderbar and the Baby Seal Club. Starting today, August 1st, going all the way to August 5th! Price varies from $10 to $15 each night, or you can get a pass for $80 that will grant you access to everything, you'll get a dollar off on your beer and you get a 10% discount on records. That sounds neat, if you have time, unlike me. Sorry, I'm bitter. I won't go into detail on what's going to be playing, but I'm just going to say that the only shows I would like to go to if I can make it are the following:

Friday BSC - $10 door @ 9pm Archaics Strugglefucks Jom Comyn Switches Chantrelles

Saturday BSC - $10 doors @ 9pm Catgut Banshee Stepmothers Shooting Guns

Saturday Afternoon Wunderbar - $10 doors @ 3pm Pigeon Breeders Ben Disaster Jung People Boosh

ESPECIALLY EXCITED TO SEE SHOOTING GUNS (from beautiful Saskatoon)

For the whole schedule go to the link below:

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/151777521674652/

GOLDEN WEST FESTIVAL!!!

CAMPING TRIP ALERT! Going from August 2-4, it's only $60, you camp there in the middle of nowhere (directions on the facebook link) and you get to see awesome bands. And some of my favourite local artists, like the Lad Mags, Betrayers and Brazilian Money will be there. So yeah, check it out!

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/199385496870829/

[caro-loveless]

CREAKS, LITTLE BLUE, AND BRADEN GATES TONIGHT @ CHA ISLAND (Edmonton)

Well, this is an awesome way to start the week (for those that have weekends)! These three artists, Creaks, Little Blue, and Braden Gates, will be playing tonight at Cha Island (10332 81st Ave) for only $8, show starts around 8PM . Now, even though this place has a rasta/reggae vibe (which might scare the uptight folk, which is a plus), it  has great affordable food like paninis (with one vegan option, yay!) and waffles, as well as tons of different kinds of tea, coffee, cheap drinks, etc. There are also board games, old vhs, and national geographic magazines everywhere... So pretty much you can't get bored here! Anyhow, let's talk about the bands that are playing tonight, shall we?  

CREAKS- Edmonton, AB. I love Creaks. They have a laid back and awesome garage pop fuzzy sound. They don't play that often, which makes me want to see them even more every time they do play!  www.creaksmusic.bandcamp.com LITTLE BLUE- Edmonton, AB. Warm vocals, and noise pop. Haven't seen this individual live, but the bandcamp sounds promising. www.littleblue.bandcamp.com Braden Gates- Fort Saskatchewan, AB. Folk music. Not my cup of tea, but, hey, gotta keep my mind open. www.bradengates.com

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/199347966896917/

[caro-loveless]

HOMESHAKE, SMOKEY AND CAVES! TONIGHT AT WUNDERBAR

I haven't been posting on what's going on in the city lately much... I'm crazy busy. This is something I might go to later tonight if I'm not dead tired =)

HOMESHAKE- Montreal (http://homeshake.bandcamp.com/) SMOKEY- Edmonton (http://smokeycoon.bandcamp.com/) CAVES- Saskatoon (most excited to see this band to be honest...) (http://caves4.bandcamp.com/) $8 @ Wunderbar around 9PM

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/213774162109245/