The Lifts are full throttle rock n’ roll fusion. Their music contains elements of progressive rock, metal and blues; a strong combination of muscle, imagination and weight. Their self-titled EP has what it takes, hitting us hard, endowing us with wit and an artistic certainty. Showing off their biceps, you are instantly satisfied. “What’s Her Face” is pure rock n’ roll with an ambitious sound. “The Sky is Peeling” sinks its teeth into you with grunge grit, heavy guitars and a luscious delayed vocal. “Darling” beats a drum with a heavy bellowing bluesy backbone and a vocal that “doesn’t let us down”. The last track on the EP “Mescal Blues” knocks on your heart with an unforgettable melody, as if you have known it forever; pulling its weight of heavy combinations of dark and light sounds. Don’t miss The Lifts this Friday March 20th @ The Cameron House.

Beams, a cohesively mixed, indie folk-rock sextet from Toronto have caught our ear holes, with their song Black Shadow. A brilliantly mournful story sang by the most delightful and complementary mix of singers that I’ve had the pleasure of listening to in a long while. The vocal lends a little bit of an unnerving feeling, which is fitting to the song (and even more-so to the video!). Although, the vocals are quite alluring, credit is due to the accompaniment as the arrangement is just as wonderful, simple drums, banjo and electric guitar keep the song flowing and the soothing vocal harmonies shining, while one of my favourite parts is just the cherry on top – vibraphone! If you get the chance, check out their video for Black Shadow- the story behind the concept makes it all the more interesting. These beauties are playing 03/20 @ The Gladstone let their brilliant harmonies ease you into the weekend.-Courtney Chalapenko

The Red Rails from Ottawa are heading to Toronto for the weekend! Listening to their latest record “A Living Fiction”, they play no nonsense rock n’ roll with some nice licks and a touch of 90’s dabbled on top for good luck. Their lead single “On The Line” has some sweet fuzz bass, tight rhythm and fierce vocals. This three piece was busy last year playing all over Ontario and out to the East Coast. Check’ em this weekend as part of the Soundtrack Of The City: Friday March 20 @ Cherry Cola’s and Saturday March 21 at the Bovine Sex Club. –Kris “Big City” Gies

Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies is a folk, indie pop band crawling their way out of London, On. Late last week they released their second EP titled Tongue Tied. The EP includes five songs that we couldn’t be happier to hear- after that long winter; these ladies and gents are warming our souls up with this one. Beautifully clear and goosebump-worthy vocal delivery, quirky lyrics and smooth harmonies, make this Ep memorable; never mind the danceable and singable qualities that are sure to make you fall in love with these darlings. Don’t worry…Don’t fret…they’ve started their release tour and are playing @ The Silver Dollar 3/19 as well as @ The Baltimore House 3/20.-Courtney Chalapenko

Just hit the play button! VOTIIV has us hot and sweaty with explosive electro dance beats. VTV-01 is a creative album with avant-garde sounds that spin to lo-fi, pretty, pop vocals. “All to Take” hums and hops with elastic beats and alluring dark sounds that wave over you with deep enchantment. Close your eyes and dance to their entire album! See this electronic duo with Bizzarh @ the Smiling Buddha Friday March 20.

Pins & Needles is youthful, edgy, rough, yet smooth and soothing – a beautiful collaboration of indie rock and pop. “Overdue” is an exemplary track by these ladies. They brilliantly mix the do-wop style with rock on this one, giving the song a sultry, dreamy and almost nauseatingly pretty tone, yet still giving it a raw roughness with electric guitar, and powerful vocals- what a delicacy! This song could be described as a 50’s doo-wop influenced pop song, with a whole lot of balls! Go listen to their lovely harmonies, and dance along with them March 13 @ The Great Hall.-Courtney Chalapenko

Pet Sun is a noisy and awesome death garage band from Hamilton. They remind me of the Stooges but heavier. When I hear the Stooges I feel that’s how all bands should sound… and Pet Sun is killin’ it. Fresh off a tour down to the States, Pet Sun will be returning to Toronto on April 9th at the Horseshoe Tavern. Expect new music from them soon, but for now let’s listen to the title track from their latest EP “Feel Like I’m Going Away”. -Kris “Big City” Gies

For Esmé, latest single “Just Yet” is light and fluffy with heavy dynamics. Progressive electro-pop sounds that heartbeat rhythms to a sweet and intriguing vocal; it’s smooth- sultry poetry with a deep message. Getting ready to release their second record Sugar this spring; Nathan, Martha and Dave have already given us a glimpse into what’s next, and we love it! While keeping their story’s tale, For Esmé stays warm and gorgeous with combinations of synths, fuzz and pulses. See them March 11 @ the Piston and March 17 @ the Lakefield College School.

A three-piece punk rock noise band –Foam, originating from London, Ontario, is slowly storming the music scene. Hailing sludge-infested distortion and an abundance of guitar feedback; this trio really shows they know how to bring the noise. Amidst the cloud of sound, these guys still maintain a moving and unique song structure, while the sporadic use of vocals hints at their obvious punk influence, adding to the intrigue of their sound. They’ll be leaving their garages and basements behind this weekend; Foam is playing the big city alongside fellow Londoners, Political Séance. Go catch them March 6 @ The Central.-Courtney Chalapenko

There are two opportunities this weekend to catch the experimental twin sister group Tasseomancy. I checked out their tracks starting with their latest single “Reality”; It made me completely forget what I was doing…so I listened to it again… I like to call them “Trippy Folk”, modern ambient sounds that are skillfully imaginary. So you should grab your folks n’ friends and check Tasseomancy @ Smiling Buddha March 8 and @ The Baltimore House on March 9. Do it! –Kris “Big City” Gies

JUNOfest 2015: Hamilton: Friday 3/13 and Saturday 3/14

Awesome lineup! 2 days, 15 Hamilton Venues, 100+ bands…We’ll be checking out these guys…

Dearly Beloved

Dinosaur Sex Change

Hachey The MouthPEACE

Mo Kenney

Spookey Ruben

Also catch all our deli friends that are playing: Greylands, HIGHS, Laura Cole, Run with the Kittens, Sun K, The Beaches, The Glorious Sons, The Dying Arts, Fortunate Ones, The Ascot Royals, …and much more…

Beliefs puts us under a spell with shoegaze and dream- pop sounds. Their songs are riddled with a hazy fuzz and haunting vocal performances. If you like an undertone of distortion throughout your music and have a love for the unexpected, these guys are for you! Off their latest EP “Catch My Breath” is one of our favourites. It’s a magnificent blend of heavy guitars, heartbeat drumming that whispers over vapor like vocals, keeping you entranced in a dream-like state. Stay in the haze with Beliefs Feb 28 @ Johnny Jackson. – Courtney Chalapenko