Quilt’s Plaza Stitches its Music Cohesively
Latest by Quilt a blend of psychedelia, folk rock, and catchy pop to remind listeners of what music was like before
Articles by Joel Mak
Halifax’s Nap Eyes Sing Their Hearts
Be charmed by this East coast band you need to hear with their new album Thought Rock Fish Scale. Review here.
Review of Solicitor Returns: Matthew Vasquez Flies Solo
New album by Matthew Vasquez full of solid songs
An Indie Pop Retrospective on 2015
With so much music available, it’s hard to figure out the top albums of 2015 on the indie-pop-rock scene. Here are Joel Mak’s picks.
Return to the Moon Matches Style to Writing
Musical pairing of Berninger and Knopf a great success that gets better with each successive listening.
Fuzz II: Ty Segall’s Prolific Explorations Go Heavy
Excellent trio releases new album that is similar to first, but still dark and heavy.
The Agent Intellect: Protomartyr’s Textbook of Post Punk
Protomartyr shows that you don’t have to cater to the Vevo crowd to sing about things that matter.
Tobias Jesso Jr. Sings His Heart Out on Goon
Romantic crooner Jesso Jr. sings with much emotion. We review his album in advance of his SAturday show.
The Dears Still Endearing
After a four-year hiatus, The Dears are back with a new album that features their mosaic-style compositions.
Micachu and The Shapes’ Experimental Minimalism
New album by experimental band combines dreariness with catchiness.
Review of Marrow’s The Gold Standard
Debut album is a whirlwind of talent with a strong Chicago sound.
Ivan and Alyosha Play Solid Show
A small crowd doesn’t stop this upbeat band from playing solid show of indie pop.
Ivan and Alyosha: It’s All Just Pretend Reviewed
Maturing from a folk duo to a quintent, the beloved band continues to produce optimistic songs.
Cult Musician Bill Fay Provides a Voice For Today’s World
Fueled by faith, Bill Fay sings about war and taxes in a way many can understand.
Scrappy English Band Palma Violets’ Album is Better than Shouty Fun
Building on their debut success of 180, Palma VIolets turn their songwriting attention to their US tour and lost love.
Review: Wand’s Golem Both Friend and Foe
Wand’s second effort gets heavier and creates a new genre of psychedelic metal
Review of Dear Criminals Show: Local Band Steals Montreal Hearts
Legault is the secret sauce between Holder and Lavoie.
Review: Classic Rock Meets the Millennials with Northern Lies
Joel reviews Sun K’s new classic-rock-turned-new album Northern Lies