Review: Cursed Arrows' Telepathic High Five

When I first saw Cursed Arrows in the summer of 2009, I was blown away by their thunderous drums and loud guitar. Not only does their music inspire an overwhelming guttural reaction, but they tore through a cover of Nirvana’s “Tourettes” and did it more than just justice. Their garage, post-punk sound may not fit in with their techno-synth contemporaries in the Ontario independent music realm, but I always thought there was something to say about sounding different.

The band consists of two members, Ryan and Jackie Stanley. They’re set up like a White Stripes outfit, but they actually embrace that they’re married. Ryan was in the well-loved Brantford, ON band, The Vermicious Knid, before recording a number of solo albums. “Our telepathic connection and combined artistic frustrations lead us to start writing loud songs in our basement apartment, armed simply with a tiny amp and an awful drum kit,” Jackie outlines on the band’s blog.

Ryan’s guitar playing is intricate and embraces the effects board (the crunchier and often weirder, the better), while Jackie’s drumming is precise and dainty, matched with a violence fit for any heroine. Sharing vocals and harmonies, the pair at times, often reminds me of a heavier and to-the- point, Sonic Youth, but can get as melodic as the Pixies and as soulful as Nirvana.

Their first album, “Knives Are Falling From The Sky,” mostly garnered attention in south western Ontario. The band acknowledges it as a shot in the dark, but fans quickly embraced it as something more. The duo, now on Noyes Records, recently released their second full-length album, “Telepathic High Five,” which is more identifiable, more melodic, and most importantly – loud.

The two wear their alternative rock influences on their sleeve, and I’m not talking about their impressive tattoo sleeves. The lyrics are often tragically personal and introverted. The first track, “Run Forever,” features challenging lyrics like, “They’ll always tell you what’s right/comes down to will and to might/or you can run forever.”

The album times in at 43 minutes and displays a constant complexity of melodies, raw emotion and is rooted in thunderous rock and roll. The album’s title track is delightfully distorted over peaceful harmonies. Other earth-shakers include, “Gate Crasher,” and “Chop You Up.” Another notable track is the emotionally-charged, “Deep Wound.” But nothing is as intimately potent as, “Oubliette,” the album’s memorable final song.

Please listen to this album, your ears will thank you.

Published by NxEW

Review: James and Blackburn EP

James and Blackburn’s first EP shows promise for a mellow, introspective indie pop band.

The band’s founding members and cousins, guitar and vocalist, Owen, and bassist, Landon, “have grown up writing and playing music together.” It wasn’t until a little under a year that they formed J&B with the addition of drummer, Sebastien and recorded their first EP in the summer of 2009. “I met Sebastien while working in an Italian restaurant [in] downtown Ottawa,” said Landon.

Any veteran can hear the well-placed shoegaze influence in J&B's EP, but it's the unique tempos and intricate sound that steps these young lads into the realm of bands like Wintersleep. The album's first track, 'In My Head,' is the heaviest and yet calmingly mellow track, with lyrics that throttle you into a moment of soul searching.

The album’s best and most promising track, ‘Loose Leaf,’ is cleverly interworks influences such as Modest Mouse, Tokyo Police Club and, dare I say it, Radiohead.
The Ottawa based three-piece will be playing Zaphod Beeblebrox, in Ottawa on December 21st and The Blacksheep Inn Wakefield in Wakefield, Quebec on the 27th. Taking in one of the shows

If this sounds like your thing, any and all news can be found at their Myspace: www.myspace.com/jamesandblackburn

Published by NxEW

Review: Noah and the Whale’s The First Days of Spring

2009 has been a good year for Noah and the Whale, having played the main stage at both the Reading and Leeds Festivals, respectively, and marking the release of their second LP, The First Days of Spring in late August.

Citing both punk and folk as influences, the English quintet have taken a step away from previous recordings adopting a more narrative style of music writing – a style oriented around film. The band’s name is taken from Academy Award-nominated American writer, director and independent filmmaker, Noah Baumback, and his 2006 film, The Squid and the Whale, and have also proclaimed their love of Wes Anderson films. It comes as no surprise that the singer/guitarist, Charlie Fink, has adapted an accompanying film in conjuncture to the album (the film runs the same length of the album and shares the same name).

The album itself displays sophisticated and emotional craftsmanship. It has been documented that the album is, in part, about Fink’s breakup with Laura Marling – a former member - and is why the album possesses no female vocals. The album’s opening and title track, displays an unbridled melancholy, backed by intricate harmonies. Other notable tunes, “My Broken Heart” and the first official single, “Blue Skies,” showcases the bands pleasing, sombre and dramatic writing style.

This album is bound to stick around in your stereo pile for some time – a definitive break up album that can be fun to make out to.

Published by themusicslut.com