I was watching an intense hockey game when I threw on Teenanger‘s latest record EP LP. It opens up with "Fly on the Wall" which fit the frantic mood of the hockey game perfectly. A throwback to punk rock of the 70s and 80s it is a reminder that rock n’ roll is all about the energy. I had to skip to the last track on the album because it had such a sweet name… "Hot Rods At The Loser Convention." It had a groovier beat to it and I don’t think they’re very impressed with whoever inspired the track. Teenanger has honed their craft since 2010 and they’ll be taking their show across the pond next month. You have the opportunity to party down with them on Friday April 17th @ the Steamwhistle Brewing Company. Crush beers and bang your head like a teenager with Teenanger on Friday.- Kris “Big City” Gies

Radio Free Universe struck gold at the Horseshoe Tavern Monday night, putting on a fierce and bold rock n’ roll showcase performance. Stopping you in your tracks with a wickedly large vocal by front man, George Panagopoulos; his voice is layered and carried by pure rock n’ roll sounds. RFU showcased their pre-release single “American Gun” , it’s a huge track that rushes you like a speeding train. It opens with familiar throbbing drum beats that get your boots stompin’, then rolls sweetly into an unforgettable vocal that rips hard to wailing guitars. Stay tuned this Sept for RFU’s EP release of Casa Del Diablo. But you don’t have to wait too long to see them again, Radio Free Universe is playing Friday 4/17 @ This Ain’t Hollywood.

DAVIDS latest video release “Right On” is a strong current of electronic pop. We are never going into the woods again!!! “Right On”  video is something spooky, but we can’t stop dancing! Heavy synth beats thrash you back and forth to a raw invigorating vocal. Did we mention…we can’t stop dancing! DAVIDS like to be off screen so they got front men, Apocryphal Avulsion, to give it their all with that scary sexy lady in the back. Stay tuned on FB for DAVIDS latest EP.

Big Lonely is Burlington, Ontario’s up and coming indie rock band. These guys are breaking hearts and moving feet with their infectious array of emotion and sound demonstrated on their most recent release, Close your eyes, Keep Talking. Pairing up the buttery lead vocals with catchy chorus’ seems to be the winning combination. Don’t be mistaken, there’s no shortage of angst or aggression throughout the album. The boys of Big Lonely know how to keep things intriguing and refreshing – in the over-populated indie rock scene. Go take a listen! Better yet, make sure to head out and sing along to their contagious tunes Saturday 4/11 @ the Rivoli.-Courtney Chalapenko

Grounders latest track "Fool’s Banquet" is revving us up for their latest self-titled LP release. "Fool’s Banquet" sends you through the sky with beautiful swaying sounds that bounce with grace and smooth melodies. It puts you in sunshine with memorable keys that gleam and sparkle to low beamed vocals. Go to the Grounders Soundcloud page and preview their latest tracks, and stay tuned in for their LP release out May 12th.

Three piece, all girls, 90s alt-grunge mixed with some modern indie rock, that’s Lonely Parade. They just released a new EP titled “Splenda Thief.” Perhaps coffee sweetener is hard to come by in Peterborough (which is the girl’s hometown). The opening track, "Stephane Dion" has dirty basslines with trippy guitars that continue into the next track. “Mono” has more vocals in and there’s definitely some Kim Deal inspiration going on there. These tunes are noisy and fun! I don’t think the ladies in the Lonely Parade take themselves all that seriously and that’s a good thing! Music needs to be fun. So go have fun with The Lonely Parade @ The Junction Music Hall tonight. Check out their website for all their spring dates.-Kris “Big City” Gies

Their website is eerily black with their band name Chastity scratched across the top. I thought my screen was actually scratched I had to look closer…It wasn’t …but by now I’m listening to “Lash Out” from their Soundcloud page. The same spooky senses came over me as the song began with creepy guitars and drawn out vocals, then enters a catchy chorus that kicks in and gives the track a cool dynamic. The solo and 3rd verse build up nicely to the final chorus; which yourself excited to hear one more time. Solid tune! “Manning Hill” is more of a straight ripper! 2 minutes of energy! 2 minute energy is way stronger than a 5 Hour Energy! So if you need a boost I’d suggest you listen to Chastity. See them Saturday @ Silver Dollar with other our friends The Effens.-Kris “Big City” Gies

Toronto’s goth-stained band Bloody Diamonds latest single ‘Skin and Bones’ is hard hitting rock n’ roll! Wild and wailing,’Skin and Bones’ is a hardcore power ballad with monster vocals. It carries a heavy riff over a memorable lyric that has us head banging! Currently on tour catch Bloody Diamonds Friday 4/3 @ Bovine Sex Club. Go to their FB and see if they’re coming your way.

Alissa Vox Raw renders the spirit of soul with a modern experimental edge. She creates a unique style of exploratory Motown-pop songs made entirely from her voice. Alissa Vox Raw is a one woman machine; she is a multi-instrumental looper, who even plays a mean kazoo. Her latest EP “VOX” released this March, is an incredible play of 60’s soul sounds raw. “Where I’m Going, I Don’t Know”, kicks off the EP off with a shuffle in its step with breathy beats behind an empowered vocal. “Don’t Ask Me Why” is smooth with warm tones that get your body swaying to a bebop vocal that loops into sing-a-long harmonies. “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” gets you clapping along with attitude. Alissa’s entire EP is creative, taking styles of the 60’s to new contemporary heights. Catch a glimpse of her EP below. Coming our way soon go to her web page for show listings.

I couldn’t have picked a better day to listen to this folk rock group, Jonesin’ and the Hurt. Turning them up on the car stereo as the rain hits the window, we have no worries with their latest album Why Not?. The Entire album puts a bounce in your step with rustic roots. “Please Give Me” took my mood and transformed it with nice harmonies over a smooth groove. Get to see them touring Toronto the entire month; but, you’ll never know when you might run into them rockin’ out on the corner. Check them out April 3rd @ the Bovine Sex Club.–Kris “Big City” Gies

There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding Toronto prog rock band Vast Robot Armies. Are they space-robots? or something? Their latest record “Little Creatures” out early this month is an epic adventure. “Revenge For Nerds” sets the tone with some space-aged guitars that guide you through the intergalactic journey on the Vast Robot Armies spaceship. The vocals remind me a bit of the Meat Puppets with more of a rounded edge. This record will keep your head in the clouds wondering where you’re going to end up next. And that is the question…when will Vast Robot Armies appear for a live show in Toronto? Like their facebook page and download their record and the message will arrive when the planets have aligned. Whoa.-Kris “Big City” Gies

There’s probably a couple of times I could have been considered a Beach Creep…but I wasn’t as cool as the band Beach Creep from Toronto. Extraordinary DIY, Beach Creep is indie divine with gentle voices and artistic guitars. They released their latest EP “V” in January of this year. It opens up with trippy intro “Peas and Lentils” then leads into “Sprout”, which has nice vibes, the kind that make you feel like everything is going to be okay. “Old Shoes” caresses delicate vocals over subtle guitars that carry heavy harmonies. Beach season is just around the corner so make sure you do your bicep curls…then buy this EP from Beach Creep’s bandcamp page and relax in the sand. If you missed them @ The Cavern Bar on Friday, stay tuned on bandcamp for more show details. –Kris “Big City” Gies