Hailing from the Almighty Sudbury…this is The Almighty Rhombus. Personally I always thought the trapezoid was more imposing but that’s just my opinion. I fired up the Rhombus’ latest record "Lucid Living". The opening track is a quick paed pop rock tune that keeps it gritty with a nice light fuzz on the bass. Up next is a perfect track 2 "Blank"…its softer with a nice rhythm groove over tasty keyboard and guitar licks. Add in some harmonies and you’re ready to go. Everything is well played, the band is on point with this record. They’ll be heading to Toronto this Friday to play the Silver Dollar Room. Go enjoy the tunes at a great bar for the show.-Kris"Big City"Gies 

The Ballroom Babies are a 3 piece rock outfit made of 3 brothers. Steve, Mike and Nathan Collucci from Mississauga, Ontario. All 3 are seasoned musicians having graduated from Humber College’s Music Program. At one point they all separate bands but have come to the conclusion to "never go against the family". They released their first album "Change to Silver" in 2013. Its all cohesive rock n roll with an edge. I particularly like the title track from the album. It starts off with a slow drum beat and a tight chord progression that leads into a dreamy chorus with vocals cut from a Scott Weiland cloth. By the end of the tune it all makes sense…and you’re rocking out. Have a listen….you can see the Ballroom Babies Wednesday June 3rd @ the Lazy Flamingo in Hamilton. -Kris"Big City"Gies

Canadiana with a tinge of party-pop, Jonny Debt’s Waiting “Love” is begging you to break out the flip flops and mixed drinks, and play some hooky away from work. Really channeling his inner John Butler, his electric banjo strumming and country-jam band bring a good-times, slacker-rock meander into a fun pop song. The video, one-half party and one-half love-yearning soul search, is a fun venture split between the band jamming with some Jonny Debt-merch sporting co-eds, and a seemingly time and space traversing quest for a mythical long lost love. Wardrobe had a fun time on this shoot. If you’re looking to check this act out, they’re playing at the Midem festival in Cannes, France, and then embarking on a bar-hopping tour of southern Florida!-Cody Wright

Two men, a galaxy of sound. From jazz-fusion to electronic fuzz-rock and back, Huge Cosmic is who you call for ambience and acuity. With songs called “Let’s Talk About The Weather” and “Interviewed By Nardwuar”, the eclectic and electric nature of the band is accepted and accentuated by the energy and intelligence of the music. “Weather” is a prime example of their blending influences and minds. Between the notes of the vocal melody is where the chops of the two take over, switching from tight progressive groove into serene rock’n’roll walls of sound and back again. Serious music listeners would take care to take notice, and keep their eyes peeled. Huge Cosmic is bringing their experimental sound to the Cavern on Saturday, May 30th, so get yourself in front of that stage.-Cody Wright

Gruve is a rock trio that hails from two small towns near Hamilton, Caledonia and Cayuga. They’ve been straight rockin for 10 years now and have released numerous records. They have one more to release and one more show to do it. That’s right, this Friday they will be celebrating the release of their latest (and final) record at their FAREWELL show! They have released one tune from this record "Supercede" on bandcamp titled TV Set. The tune starts off with some thumpin’ kick drum and bluesy guitar riffage. The bass comes in groovin’ nicely and you’re ready to rock from this point on. The chorus section adds some nice spice to the tune before bringin you back to the groove nice n’ slow…or should I say Gruve. Their CD release/farewell party goes down Friday Night May 29th at This Ain’t Hollywood. $10 Cover or $15 with a copy of the record.-Kris"Big City"Gies 

“Holy Mackinaw” well we didn’t see that coming! With a name as witty as Joe Bowen, The Mackinaws are a band of brotherly love showcasing eclectic rock n’ roll skills. Recorded live off the floor, “The Mackinaws” is a warm, rounded record with extraordinary harmonies and exceptional guitar riffs. ‘Spending Time’ kicks the album off with spiraling guitars and catchy lyrics that have you “clenching your chest” to sweet sounds. ‘Booze’ is a drinking man’s anthem, with a little bit of country food for the soul. ‘Light of My Life’ takes a soft step with romantic vocals, a banjo twang, hand beats and pretty harmonies, that have you singing right a-long. Their album as a whole is layered with rock, country and blues influences that get peeled away with every track revealing The Mackinaws talents. Don’t miss them Saturday 5/30 night @ Homegrown in Hamilton.

 

These garage fellas from Hamilton have dropped the first tune from their upcoming album in video form! Pet Sun is all about the fuzz. Fuzzy guitars and now they’re eating fuzzy pudding. This video for "Never Quit" was directed by Billy Moon. It has some wild green screen action, trippy effects, the aforementioned fuzzy pudding, a band-eating witch and of course a badass headbanger of a song. This tune absolutely forces to move your head with the simple yet convincing guitar riffs. Their new record is due for release later this year and it’s going to bring the house down. For now you can download their EP "Feel Like I’m Going Away" but do yourself a favor and see them live on Thursday May 28 at This Ain’t Hollywood. They’re taking off down to the States after that and they may never come back. I hear the witch is still after them…-Kris "Big City"Gies

Oprhan Choir is a four piece grunge unit from Windsor, Ontario. The tunes from their "2011 Basement Demos" sound like they came straight from the 90s. The first tune "Red Channels" has element of the Melvins as they chug along with crunchy guitars and raspy vocals. "1983" is cut from the same sweaty cloth. Nice quick rock songs that aren’t going to insult your intelligence. They might make you wanna bang your head though. Orphan Choir will be rocking the Horseshoe on Saturday May 23rd. Go enjoy the sludge rock.-Kris"Big City"Gies

Unabashed love of psychedelia so sincere they’re the 60’s in high fidelity. Blonde Elvis lay it down as it is, bouncy rhythms and reverb-soaked vocals taking you on a sight-seeing (or hearing) tour, stopping and taking in some Eno, Bowie, and Lou Reed all at once. “Slow Fall On Egypt” is a Brit-Pop, in-and-out, bite-sized bit of groovy rock n roll (bonus points for a flute solo). Topping out at just over 2 minutes, this song is catchy, poignant, and just a little coy in its delivery. One can only imagine the imagery flying through frontman’s Jesse James Laderoute head as he churned this one out. Currently on a border-crossing tour, you can catch them at home, with fellow mellow-rock act Twist, at Handlebar, Friday, May 22nd!

Taking a page from the lighter side of late 80’s alt rock, Twist flexes melody over muscle. One part Chan Marshall, one part Kim Gordon, presented delicately, but firmly. Beautifully layered guitars, light percussion, and distant, sultry vocals, “Albuquerque” is a gorgeous use of space and harmonics. The slow-burning intro, and the fantastic dynamics demand you pay attention to every chime and half-whispered syllable. The beauty and sadness of the track all combine to provide a perfect backdrop to escape whatever ails you, even if it’s only for a short time. The repeat button was abused quite viciously with this tune.

-Cody Wright

Hey Toronto come out to Hamilton this weekend and celebrate music at the Hamilton Music Scene Festival. Founder, producer and artist manager; JP-Gauthier, established “The Hammies” in 2004, giving recognition to the hard work and talents of Hamilton musicians, music studios, labels, and industry professionals bringing the ever-growing music community together.

The Festival begins Thursday May 21 and goes through May 24 featuring an array of contests, conferences, and performances with the Awards ceremony putting an end to this fantastic weekend. It all kicks off with The HMA Rising Star Search hosted at Dofasco Centre for the Arts. The contest helps young artists network with industry professionals, putting these young Hamiltonians in front of a panel to compete for the top three spots. Securing each winner with recording, production and promotional development access. Keep your eyes out for our rising favourites: Good Anya, Camille Inston and Katie Harbour.

Keeping things real, The HMA team is offering multiple conferences this year, where you can listen and engage with local industry professionals, as they give their advice on effective ways to becoming successful in the music industry. Some discussion topics you can expect to be included; key information related to marketing, management, advertising, distribution, touring, among many others! Don’t miss our own editor, Mrs. Roxy Morrison, chatting away about digital marketing and distribution this Thursday morning from 1030 – 1135 in the Directors Lounge at the Dofasco Center for the Arts Side note: Conferences are free for students (secondary, and post-secondary)!!- take advantage! .

The HMA’s proudly acknowledges lifetime achievements. This year awarding Brian Griffith with a special tribute concert “The Life of Brian”, taking place on May 29th at the Bay City Music Hall. Commemorating a Hamilton legend who passed away in November of last year, Griffith was one of Hamilton’s best guitar players, who shared his talents with the world performing with artists Daniel Lanois, EmmyLou Harris, Tom Wilson, and Willie Nelson. Performing in his honor, see emerging artists Harlan Pepper, Hachey the mouthPEACE, Laura Cole, and Mississippi Bends. All Proceeds will go to fund a bursary in Brian Griffiths name. The tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through picksandsticks.com.

We are excited to catch award show performances by nominated artists playing Hamilton’s core venues. Get your tickets and wristbands here, allowing you access to everything you want to see.

Here are some of our Deli friends and our emerging favourites to check out at the HMA’s!-Courtney Chalapenko 

Friday: May 22

Laura Cole

The Donefors

Mississippi Bends

Saturday: May 23

Dirty Jeans

Of Gentlemen and Cowards

Pet Sun

Flamingo Bay

The Vaudevillian

Hachey the mouthPEACE

Faiyaz and the Wasted Chances come from a dirty garage somewhere in Toronto. They play beautifully dirty garage rock. They’re most recent single "Open" could have been invented anywhere in the 50s, 60s or 70s. Lucky for us it’s brand new and that means there could be even more psychedelic pop rock still to come from these guys. The reverby guitars blend so well with the lazy vocals. It makes for a great track to zone out to on a hot day. Faiyaz and The Wasted Chances play The Horseshoe Tavern on Wednesday May 20. Don’t waste your chance to see them!-Kris"Big City"Gies

Just when you though rock’n’roll was dead, The Kerouacs have found it! Dragging obvious influences from the early 60’s and 70’s tunes you grew up loving. These guys are pumping out driving rock songs, pairing them up with freight train harmonies, energetic bass lines, and a killer onstage presence. They effortlessly succeeded in knocking the roof off kilter at The Baltimore House in Hamilton last Friday night. As their set progressed, so did their energy, with each member getting increasingly more animated – most interestingly, singer/guitar player Elias Regier, whose limbs seemed to freeze up – think back to Bugs Bunny helping Yosemite Sam find gold. Not only are the dudes playing killer tunes, but they’re also having fun doing it, and it shows! If you’ve never seen ‘em, your chance is coming up soon; they’re playing 05/30 @ Johnny Jackson.-Courtney Chalapenko