NINTH EDITION
Story by Laura Cappe
The Raveonettes “She Owns The Streets”
“She Owns The Streets” is the first video off of The Raveonettes new album Observator. The video captures the energy of New York and the people that bring it alive – namely the infamous NYC street dancer Loan Tran (the focus of this piece). The Danish indie duo stated that the song is about freedom, lust for life, and the importance of adopting a free spirit attitude, which is why Tran was the perfect subject; she’s absolutely radiant. Three minutes of sunshine.
Mac DeMarco “My Kind of Woman”
The now 22-year-old Mac Demarco is about to release his very first – and perhaps most mature – full-length piece of work, “My Kind Of Woman” – the first single off of the latest record – is perfectly simple in melody, showcasing his natural ability to create charming indie love songs that compliment his grungier garage pop sound. Mac Demarco plays Toronto’s Parts and Labour on August 1st.
The Black Lips “Noc-A-Homa”
Atlanta Natives and diehard baseball fans, The Black Lips pay homage to the fall of infamous Atlanta Braves mascot Chief Noc-A-Homa in their latest video.
Slug Guts “Scum”
“Scum”, the first track off of Slug Guts’ latest release Playin’ in Time With the Deadbeat is a hardcore clash of “crashing cymbals, battering percussion & a menacing guitar hook”. The dark energy exuding from both the track and the video is brilliantly frantic, yet completely affective.
AU “Solid Gold (Deerhoof Remix)”
Portland based lead singer Luke Wyland’s voice is both deep and colorful and can be compared to the likes of Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Cut Copy’s Dan Whitford, and Wild Beasts’ Hayden Thorpe. Despite the similarities in vocal tone, AU has created a sound that is full of energy and completely unique to the pop-rock genre. Check out their latest track “Solid Gold” remixed by Deerhoof. AU will be playing Toronto’s Drake Hotel on July 30th.
Rococode “Ghost I/II”
First premiering on Interview Magazine (Andy Warhol’s brainchild), Vancouver indie sweethearts Rococode’s video for Ghost I/II is a bittersweet beauty that plays on the story of King Midas and his magic touch. Just like the title suggests, Ghost I/II are two songs blended into one short 2 minute and 54 second piece that leaves both the listener and the viewer wanting more. Rococode play with Rah Rah at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern on September 8th.
Young Widows, Coliseum, and TV Freaks Split 7”
Louisville, KY based hardcore rockers Young Widows and Coliseum and Hamilton bred punks, TV Freaks come together on this seven-inch, with loud, boisterous rock anthems for the head-bangers and noise enthusiasts of the world. To celebrate their release, the bands will be playing Toronto’s Parts and Labour on August 3rd as a part of Scion Sessions week. The 7” will be given out free to everyone who attends.
Shmu “Pool Party (Place For Us)”
Austin based band Zorch’s multi-instrumentalist Sam Chown debuts his first solo album under the moniker “Shmu” with a series of artsy, unusual and somewhat spastic videos to match his frenetic sound. His video for “Pool Party (Place For Us)” focuses on Chown getting covered/splattered/drizzled with bright coloured paint. Wonder how many times he had to hose off during the making of this video. My count: 3. Mmm paint in mouth.
Lee Bannon “Impressions”
After working on projects with Gucci Mane, Curren$y, and Talib Kweli, producer Lee Bannon has gone solo, releasing some work of his own. “Impressions”, the second track from his forthcoming self-released EP Cope (due September 4th) is a dark, trance-inducing piece filled with ambient sounds and fuzzed out vocals.
Passion Pit “Gossamer”
The follow up to the 2009 critically acclaimed Manners, Passion Pit’s latest release Gossamer (Columbia Records) has said to be front man Michael Angelakos’ “finest work to date” (Consequence of Sound). Penned full of Angelakos’ deepest and darkest thoughts of the past two years, Gossamer proves to be a completely dynamic piece of work.
