The Bandicoots are a talented young group comin’ out of Hamilton. They started playing together in high school (which wasn’t too long ago for them) and have carried their high school parties into the local bars and venues today. They have just released a new EP titled "Quarters At The Penny Arcade". This 4 track set is available on CD or iTunes. They made a video for the tune "Overnight Innovator" which has some serious Brit Rock influence goin’ on. If you’re into Kasabian or Arctic Monkeys then you’ll dig this track and probably most of their tunes. The Bandicoots will be doing an EP Release Party this Friday June 3rd at This Ain’t Hollywood in Hamilton. Jaunt and the White Crowleys are also on the bill. – Kris Gies

Country traditionalist Daniel Romano has been goin non stop over the past year or so. Last year he released "If I’ve Only One Time Askin" which built off his previous country releases but found a more unique and original sound. Last week he released his latest album "Mosey" which brings his music into a whole new realm of originality and creativity. It could be borderline genius. Romano keeps his country roots but embarks in a new sonic direction. Some tracks such as the opener "Valerie Leon" use horns to bring spanish vibes to the forefront. There’s also a lot more keys on this album which at some points sounds like it could be used as a movie score from a 70s action movie. What I like most about this record is what drew me into Romano’s music to begin with….the stories….the sad ones in particular. My personal picks would be "I’m Alone Now" and "(Gone Is) All But A Quarry Of Stone". If you actually like new and original music then you gotta listen to "Mosey" by Daniel Romano. – Kris Gies

The Nursery are a pop rock group from right here in Toronto. They just released a brand new track last month called "Hexes + Oh’s". This tune has indie rock drums with funky basslines, smooth guitars and tinklin’ keys to add a nice spice on top of the pop rock platform. It’s like early 2000’s indie rock…Hot Hot Heat style…The Killers but happier. Go see em tomorrow (May 26) at the Silver Dollar Room with Hot Kid, Yeomans and Madame Psychosis. – Kris Gies

Laura Cole…the sultry voice from Ancaster, Ontario has released a brand new track titled "You Always Hurt The Ones You Love". It is based off a poem with the same title written by Amy Winehouse and featured in the documentary "Amy". This poem hit home with Laura and her band so she took it upon herself to add a second verse and bridge to complete this wonderful tune. Laura debuted this song and video last Friday at Mill’s Hardware in Hamilton. All the proceeds from the show went to the Amy Winehouse Foundation. You can learn more at www.amywinehousefoundation.org. Enjoy the video! – Kris Gies

Last month Casper Skulls joined Buzz Records. To celebrate they released a brand new track "Mink Coats". This in your face rock tune has a more gentle beginning before unleashing it’s fury on your ears. The guitars pierce as you get caught in a trance and before you know it your head is bopping to the thumping drums and the words are speaking directly at you. It’s quite the ride. Be on the look out for more Casper Skulls tunes from Buzz Records. They will be live at the Garrison on May 13th. – Kris Gies

Toronto rock trio Womb are getting ready to release their latest album "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up" this spring and they have done us the pleasure of unleashing a new track! "Lotus Twist" has some interesting parts going on. It has almost a circus feel to it with thumping drums and mesmerizing guitar parts. They always find ways to add a swingy-jazz element to their grunge rock sound. Singer/guitarist Ragwax might give you the creeps with his dragging vocals throughout this track. The Lotus Twist will make your head twist as Womb leads you down the path to the unknown world that Womb came from. Actually I think they came from Ajax but you know what I mean. Womb will be celebrating their record release on June 18th at Cherry Colas along with Flamingo Báy, The Ballroom Babies and The Retroaction. Have a listen to "Lotus Twist" below. – Kris Gies

Sit back, relax and enjoy this brand new music comin’ out of Toronto. Daisy Eye is bringing us some laid back shoegaze tunes that touches on some 90’s grunge rock vibes. They have released one track "Exoexistence". The beginning makes you want to sit back and ponder life. It has some nice and gentle guitar licks along with lazy vocals to set the mood. Don’t get too comfortable though…they pick ‘er up near the end and grunge out for a while. I’m glad I came across this band as I’m sure not many people have yet so I’m glad I can spread the word. Keep your eyes and ears open for more "daisy-gaze" tunes coming from Daisy Eye soon. – Kris Gies

Rock and/or roll from the Nation’s Capital. Muelkik play a nice blend of different kinds of punk rock. I don’t want to say "pop punk" and I’m not going to classify them as "hardcore" either. Their guitars rip and the vocals howl but they manage to do so in a way that leaves you hooked and wanting more. They could have definitely fit right in on the old Punk-O-Rama compilations from the 90s. I dig it. They have tunes available on their bandcamp page but better yet…go see them at Bovine Sex Club on Saturday with Wine Lips and Possum. – Kris Gies

Newish Toronto garage trio Wine Lips has dropped their debut EP. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with them a couple months ago. They impressed me then and this EP is spot on. Its noisy and raucous while still keeping you interested with catchy melodies and hooks. It opens up with a quick and to the point banger called "Slaves". They had previously released the tune "Dead Beat" which is a wicked 2 minute track featuring thumping drums and a wacky solo. "The Shakes" sings about what most of us feel on a Monday and has a surfy drum beat to go along with the controlled madness that is Wine Lips. The highlight of this EP for me is "Out of Control". Right from the opening riff you can tell it’s gonna be a good song. The verse is tight and catchy but when they slam into the chorus thats when you’ll be hooked. Add in a deadly solo/breakdown and you’re good to go. This EP is available on their bandcamp page for only 5 bucks. Celebrate their release with them on Saturday April 23rd at Bovine Sex Club. – Kris Gies

The Retroaction are a 4 piece rock group originally out of Hamilton. They sound like they’re a British invasion group…that came from America. One of the last bands to record at the original Porcelain Records studio as well. Look at this crazy music video they threw together for the track "Little Strange". Move the camera around yourself as you watch. It has 360 capabilities. Took me at least 6 spins to realize this….go see Retroaction at Homegrown Hamilton this Friday! – Kris Gies

Kurt Marble is a fuzz rocker from right here in Toronto. He released an EP last year titled "Notes". The record kicks off with an ultra fuzzy slow riffage tune called "Replacement" and intertwined in all the garage rock noise is a soothing vocal floating along to add a contrast to the music. It makes you wonder what mood to be in while listening. The next track is a bit of a psych-out…"Negative One Twelfth" begins with you thinking you’re getting an acoustic folk jam but then the electricity kicks in and you’re ready to hit the pits. It’s the kind of noisy madness you would want to hear at the Silver Dollar Room on a Friday Night. Lucky for you Kurt Marble will be opening up for Pet Sun’s Record Release Party at the Dollar this Friday! – Kris Gies