Ride Til Dawn/Neck Of The Woods/Daniel Romano
Ride Til Dawn
The Glass Mirage // Independent
Ride Til Dawn’s latest album, The Glass Mirage, echoes some of Country music's finest angels and devils, conjuring visions of Laurel Canyon, the desert, and Gram Parsons’ ghost. The past and future consistently meet on this recording, giving it an already “lived in” feeling.
There must be a heavy deposit of cosmic dust deep within the bedrock beneath Saskatchewan because this record is saturated with an authentic sound courtesy of the cosmic country bands who came before them. Previous albums have seen the band taking a lot of influence from the likes of Songs: Ohia (as well as Magnolia Electric Co.), Big Star, and The Replacements. This time around, the group had some help from another cosmic force - Clayton Linthicum of the Saskatchewan based group “Kacy & Clayton”, who was brought on as a producer. His intuitive knack for knowing how to emulate the past and make something new sound old, made the guitar tones, instrumentation, and arrangements ring true to the wavy gravy cosmic sounds of the late 60's.
“When You Feel It” opens the album up as a sort of mission statement to where the band are at sonically and as songwriters. It is reminiscent of The Grateful Dead’s “American Beauty” and The Rolling Stones “Exile on Main Street”. “The Graduate” is sprinkled with jangly guitars and some psychedelic glitter similar to that of The Byrds. The guitar-monies are like candy to the ears. The two cover songs that appear on the album prove the group's allegiance to the cosmic and fallen angels. ”Here Tonight”, was written by Gene Clark for his band, The Byrds, while the song “100 years” was penned by Gram Parsons. Both tracks are served up on a platter of earnestness and honesty, displaying Ride Til Dawn’s thoroughbred knowledge of American country music. The album closes with a number called “Lived in Skin”, that has a raw Paul Westerberg/Uncle Tupelo-like vocal performance making the listener feel as tired as any of the burned out, road worn country rockers who’ve come before them. Neil Young’s words “It’s better to burn out, than to fade away”, come to mind when listening to this song.
The Glass Mirage is a vortex into the past without having to eat the brown acid. It is vibrant in the way that technicolour was when it was first introduced, proving that Ride til Dawn can turn down the gain without dulling their sharp edge rock n roll. Delivered is a classic, timeless, and focused record that displays diversity and maturation without sacrificing the “heart on their sleeve” brand of rock n roll that they are best known for. 9 crooning cowboys out of 10.
- Todd Andrews
Neck of the Woods
The Annex of Ire // Pelagic Records
We are well into the second quarter of 2020 and I've already covered a bunch of great new hard releases. This album is no exception. Vancouver metalheads Neck of the Woods are back with their 3rd full length - The Annex of Ire on Pelagic Records. Early in 2019, Neck of the Woods recieved a nod for best hard/heavy artist from the Western Canadian Music Awards and promptly went to work crafting their latest with the assistance of Jesse Gander and Rain City Recorders. Released in March 2020, the album successfully melds their unique mix of traditional and progressive metal. Those who know, have already bought up the entire first pressing of Limited Edition Gold vinyl. Not too shabby for a band that's been at it since 2014. (For the record… black vinyl is still available.)
You may be new to Neck of the Woods. In that case, let me help. I don't usually like or use comparisons, but let me set the sonic stage. If 'Protest the Hero' never sang clear and listened to a bunch of 'Converge', well, you might now have an idea.
The title track and album opener "Annex of Ire" sets a punishing tone early. Chugging riffage and bewildering changes inform the listener that they are not taking prisoners.
I enjoy the noodling and crashing of "The Tower". The technicality and brutal breakdowns in "Crosshairs will shift" alarmed the pets. Often, too much metal pounding can be tiresome. are just enough introspective slowdowns to balance the onslaught. I also love it when my music scares folks at the stoplight. What more could you want from Canadian metal?
- Drew Cox
Daniel Romano
Super Pollen // Independent
Hello from a small town in Alberta!
I think I found a new personal favourite! I want to touch on something first. Before I even took a listen I wanted to find out more about Daniel Romano. What blew me away was that this is one of two releases in April 2020 for this band. How cool is that! But wait it gets cooler yet....how you say? Well they each have completely different sounds and styles. I’m really impressed by the fluid nature of this band to cross genres, and do so, so very well!
Daniel Romano comes to us from Welland, Ontario and this particular release consists of Dan, his brother Ian, as well as Mike Haliechuk and Jonah Falco from Fucked Up and Jade Hairpins.
Well I think it’s time to dive into this new release by Daniel Romano titled Super Pollen...
The album starts off on a upbeat note with ‘Super Pollen’ . I’m immediately drawn into this super sweet melody. It’s got a sunshine vibe that almost reminiscent of Sloan crossed with the Beatles. ‘I’m Afraid of Elevators’ is a super fantastic song with with a lot of oomph. All the quick breaks in the beat and tempo changes has me hooked. Musically speaking it’s wonderfully composed and written. I’m really digging these guys! Hey I’m also a little afraid of elevators! ‘Electricity is Allergic to You’ has a slowed down beach rock feel. It got me moving, doing the Twist in my kitchen. The 50’s… though before my time... the music has an innocence to it. The love songs are really pretty dreamy. This song is like a modern version of a 50’s song you grew up with. Had me blushing. ‘Natural Lover’ is cool as a beer on a patio, as natural as the breeze and sunshine rays. The guitar shines in this track. Give me Summer my Natural Lover.
Overall amazing vibe from Daniel Romano’s Super Pollen. This being one of two releases in April by this bunch. Simply said I’m hooked and so stoked to see what else Daniel Romano brings to the turntable. I really hope you take a moment to listen to this and some of their other amazing works. Your ears will thank you for this one!
Peace and Love to you my friends!
Sincerely,
Noreen
