Live Music Friday - LONG WEEKEND!

LONG WEEKEND IS UPON US! Weather looks great to catch a life show inside or outside.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Korn, Titans Eve

@ EnCana Events Centre, Dawson Creek, BC

Vesperia, Crimson Shadows

@ The Brass Monkey, Ottawa, ON

Bass Drum Of Death, DZ Deathrays

@ The Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC

Lord Lhus, Babylon Warchild

@ Amigos, Saskatoon, SK

Vampires Everywhere

@ NMSU Practise Field, Las Cruces, NM

Dauphin Countryfest

@ Dauphin, MB

Heaven The Axe @ Karova Bar, Ballarat, Australia

Odium, Deathpoint, Misguided Aggression, A Sin For Prayer

@ The Underground, Hamilton, ON

Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Unknown Soldiers, White Bloodcells,

@ Fairview Pub, Vancouver, BC

Lord Lhus, Babylon Warchild

@ Chrome Lounge, Edmonton, AB

Loki Music Festival

@ True Blue Ranch, Kaslo, BC

Civil Twilight @ The Garrison, Toronto, ON

Crystalyne

@ Lucky'S Wings And Things, Kitchener, ON

Chad Brownlee

@ Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie, AB

Rufus Wainwright

@ Place Des Festivals, Montreal, QC

Hotter Than Hell Hard Rock Festival

@ Squatters Arms, Adelaide, Australia

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Loki Music Festival @ True Blue Ranch, Kaslo, BC

Vampires Everywhere @ Reliant Park – Main Street Lot, Houston, TX

Spineshank @ Hammerhead’s, Fort Wayne, IN

Dauphin Countryfest @ Dauphin, MB

Wild Oats And Notes Festival @ Tofield, AB

FULL EVENT LISTING @ 

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

and CHECK OUT VANDALA MAGAZINE FREE

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/vandala_concepts_e-zine.html

Video Wednesday - Alt- Metal and Live Rock for Hump Day

Grammy nominated alt-metal act SPINESHANK has released their new album ANGER DENIAL ACCEPTANCE today, the band's first studio album in nearly a decade. The band has also teamed up with Loudwire.com to premiere their new music video for "Nothing Left For Me," the lead single off of ANGER DENIAL ACCEPTACE. "The 'Nothing Left For Me' video is the first video that we have ever done that truly captures the energy of the band and emotion behind the song," says drummer Tommy Decker of the clip, which was directed by Kevin Estrada [Serj Tankian]. "The video ends in a very dark place that really represents the lyrical content of the song."

In support of the release, SPINESHANK is currently on a headlining US tour 

that runs through August.Dates can be found at www.facebook.com/spinesshank

I Though I would bring a video from Versus The Nothing since in Junes Vandala Magazine (http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/) we talked with Ande of the band about tour experiences, (note this band has hit over 150,000kms in touring!) Ande also talks about life on the road, music and even dug a little deeper into the and the other side of this very talented Guitar Player. This video shows how talented the band is live and unedited!

More Great Releases in VANDALA MAGAZINE

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Titans Eve to Open For Korn

Vancouver thrashers Titans Eve are proud to announce they will be opening for Korn on Friday, June 29th in Dawson Creek, BC at the EnCana Events Centre.

"Opening for Korn is an unreal opportunity! We grew up listening to those guys and now get to share a stage with them so it's gonna be surreal!" says vocalist / guitarist Brian Gamblin.

Last week the band premiered their first single 'Destined To Die' exclusively on Decibel Magazine's Deciblog at the following location here. The single is from the band's new concept album 'Life Apocalypse' set to be released on July 13th and is the follow up to last year's debut album 'The Divine Equal', which is based on themes from The Book of Genesis & John Milton's poem 'Paradise Lost'.

Titans Eve will be on tour with ANVIL this summer and are offering a FREE T-shirt with every pre-order of their new album via their bandcamp. (http://titanseve.bandcamp.com/album/life-apocalypse-pre-order-now-out-july-13-2012)

Life Apocalypse Album Preview

Tour Dates:

June 29, 2012 - EnCana Events Centre - Dawson Creek, BC w/ KORN

July 30, 2012 - The Exchange - Regina, SK w/ ANVIL + guests

July 31, 2012 - The Odeon - Saskatoon, SK w/ ANVIL, Untimely Demise, Lavagoat, Agony Spawn, Caym

August 1, 2012 - The Scott Block - Red Deer, AB w/ ANVIL, Day One

August 2, 2012 - The Pawn Shop - Edmonton, AB w/ ANVIL + guests

August 3, 2012 - The Distillery - Calgary, AB w/ ANVIL + guests

August 4, 2012 - The Sapphire Lounge - Kelowna, BC w/ ANVIL

August 5, 2012 - The Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC w/ ANVIL, Skullhammer, Dead Asylum

For more info on Titans Eve please visit their official website www.TitansEve.com or follow them on their Facebook fanpage and Twitter.




WANT MORE LIVE SHOWS, MUSIC NEWS
 INTERVIEW WITH 3 INCHES OF BLOOD & MORE
READ IT IN VANDALA MAGAZINE FREE
http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Rock of Ages - Broadway Renditions of Hair Band Anthems

Rock of Ages is a bubble gum pop film with Broadway renditions of hair band anthems. Set in 1987, it is a smart comedy that does not take itself seriously. Experience it like the video game Rock Band, interactive and fun to sing along with.

Sherrie Christian, played by Julianne Hough, hails from a small town in Oklahoma. She moves to Los Angeles with big dreams and bigger hair. There she meets bar back and guitar player Drew. Played by Diego Boneta, Drew hooks Sherrie up with a job where he works, the local rock bar, the Bourbon Room.

Alec Baldwin is Dennis Dupree, Bourbon Room owner. He is matched with ever cheeky Russell Brand as club partner Lonny. Their version of Journey’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” is the best in the film. The theatre erupted in applause when I saw it the first time. As the scene approached my second time seeing it, I was already laughing, loudly.

The story of aging rock star Stacee Jaxx is played by Tom Cruise. Jaxx is irresistible to men and women with his fur coats, assless chaps, and brazen sexuality. His best friend is a destructive monkey named Hey Man. Jaxx’s monkey wears cute outfits and trashes hotel rooms. He protects his owner with high pitched screams and objects thrown with impeccable aim.

Jaxx’s character filters in and out throughout the movie, mostly in song, but most effective in dialogue. When Cruise performs through acting, he is funny and believable as a rock star. The chemistry between him and Malin Akerman, Constance Sack, the Rolling Stone journalist hired to interview him, is hot with slap stick humor.

Tom Cruise’s singing voice is impressive in range and tone with interpretations of song Broadway polished. His precise rendition of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” left me understanding the words. When Joe Elliot, lead singer of Def Leppard sings “shake a bottle, shake it up”, I always believed it to be “break a bible, break it up”. Cruise is not very rock and roll in this scene, but very Across the Universe or Moulin Rouge. Songs are meant to be over the top and pretty, the cover portraying this.

Comedy makes fun of the music industry and sexism of the rock scene. Jaxx’s sleazy manager played by Paul Giamatti reveals some of the money driven ways of higher up suits in record labels. Women see their fair share of sleaze too. A random woman working at the Bourbon Room quits because a patron demands she show him her tits. She leaves the bar opening a space for Sherrie to work there.

To survive in L.A. Sherrie becomes a stripper under the guidance of Justice, played by Mary J Bligue. Journey’s “Anyway You Want It” tells how to please the customer. Blige is the best singer, performing one of my favorite scenes in the film.

When Justice enters the film, Blige steals the show with her rhythm and blues voice. Her singing and screen presence gave me chills, a reminder of why singers by trade and heart, can do better than any actor trained to sing, no matter the octave range achieved.

Malin Akerman is one of my favorites in the movie. She lived in Canada for part of her life with a background in music. You can feel and see this in the film with her portrayal of Constance Sack. Her singing is great, her presence also scene stealing.

A Motörhead billboard next to the Bourbon Room proves this movie’s acknowledgement of its tongue-and-cheek storyline. You can’t get more rock or metal than Motörhead. Hair metal is not heavy metal. Thrash has a long standing rivalry with hair bands in the eighties. Hair bands were and are deemed posturing and preening. It’s as if Rock of Ages knows this, playing with every clichéd stereotype of the era, making fun of itself in the process.

- Deeanna Danger-

More Reviews, Music, Interviews & More

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Live Music Friday - Overloaded

Wow  are there shows to see this weekend! The our list is huge on our concerts page of shows in so many cities (FULL LIST) so here are only some highlighted events. 

Friday, June 22, 2012

These United States @ The Garrison, Toronto, ON 

(VANDALA STAFF ATTENDING)

OTHERWISE @ Ground Zero in Traverse City, MI

Vesperia, Crimson Shadows 

@ The Atria, Oshawa, ON

Feist, Timber Timbre @ Olympic Plaza, Calgary, AB

Spineshank @ Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, IA

Mf Doom @ Club Soda, Montreal, QC

Die Mannequin @ Call The Office, London, ON

Russian Circles @ The Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC

Saturday, June 23, 2012

OTHERWISE 

@ Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson, MI

2:54 @ The Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC

Ev Collective @ Fairview Pub, Vancouver, BC

West Of Hell, Snaggletooth @

Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver, BC

Marduk, 1349 @ Foro Alicia, Mexico City, Mexico

Vampires Everywhere 

@ AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA

Spineshank @ The Nestor Tavern, Fargo, NB

This is the Shoes, Jessica Beach 

@ The Media Club, Vancouver, BC

Sunday, June 24, 2012

OTHERWISE @ The Machine Shop in Flint, MI

Lapalux @ Backyard Weekend, Bucharest, Romania

The Snips @ Fitizy'S, Barrie, ON

2:54 @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC

The Mariachi Ghost @ Times Changed, Winnipeg, MB

Sam Roberts Band @ Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff, AB

Mad June, Kyshera, Hollowick 

@ Cherry Cola's, Toronto, ON

Johanna Sillanpaa Quintet 

@ The Esplanade, Medicine Hat, AB

George Benson @ Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC

Sugar Sammy @ Olympia Theatre, Montreal, QC

Young Empires @ Communitea Cafe, Canmore, AB

FULL EVENT LISTING ON OUR CONCERT LISTINGS PAGE 

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/vandala_concepts_concert_listings.html

Free Music Thursday – Vandala Brings you Music

Vandala is bringing you free music and lots of it! We have a free downloads page on our site. Not only is there free music but we have artist profiles and samples on our music player of these amazing artists of various genres. Over the next months Vandala will be adding many artists of all genres and of course free music! 

New Artists You Expect To Find.  

Metal

All Else Fails – Socially conscious, lyrically poetic, rife with apocalyptic symbolism; All Else Fails Plays  an aggressively dark blend of Punk, Metal, and Rock, this well established Edmonton based band breaks the traditional ideals of their genre by producing music infused with experimental elements, incorporating Classical music, Electronica influenced synth lines, and spoken word sampling.

Scythia - So what is Scythia? Scythia is not your older brother’s metal band. Unless that band had an oboe of death, echoes of thunder, and a knack for writing folk metal tunes.  At the most primitive level, it is epic storytelling set to modern progressive metal.

Positive Rock 

Versus the Nothing – This Vancouver band features heavy guitars, powerful melodic vocals, and an infamous energetic live show. “Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Fear is something that stops you from achieving or pushing forward against the odds. VERSUS THE NOTHING stands for fighting adversity, doing what you love and overcoming what seems impossible”. Right off the bat their free download “Killer” get you rocking out!

The Might One – Combining influences from the likes of Sammy Hagar from Van Halen and Paul Stanley from KISS with a distinct jolt of positive, life-affirming attitude, TheMightyOne is set to bring their brand of conscious rock to the Canadian music front. With the release of their sophomore album, “SHiFT”, TheMightyOne’s unique brand of steady rock beats and powerful tunes paired with uplifting and soulful lyrics are set to give Canadians something beyond the standard formula of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll to think about.

Genre Fusion - Blues Rock, Funk, Reggae.

Stone Iris – This is a band of creative collaboration of eccentrics who share one binding attribute: a deep love and devotion to their music. Blending their disparate musical backgrounds–everything from hooky pop music to sun-bleached reggae to hip-hop and rap–the influence of seven minds has created a mature sound that isn’t easy to pin down, but is very easy to love.

CHECK OUT VANDALAS INTERVIEW WITH ANDE OF VERSUS THE NOTHING

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

  

Video Wednesday - Now Way Out & Toxic Overload

Introducing: California’s Static People with: Toxic Overload! I really like these guys, they are fun and creative. This video is about a world where schools have been taken over by pharmaceutical companies, and students are medicated; and basically making them zombies/compliant. But- three students make an escape, rock out (post punk style), pull the fire alarm, and free the students. This music video, although quirky, it’s very Orwell/1984.

Odium, from Ontario, Canada, will blow you away with their video “No Way Out”. This is a single from their newly released album “Year of the Sun”. Visuals aside this song in intense: The drums make you feel although your heart is pounding, and although their rhythms range from fast to slow,  it creates this dark atmospheric sound that balances perfectly with their guitars melodic death metal riffs. Tom Emman’s vocals pull you deeper and deeper into the song as he growls, screams, and cries the lyrics. The video itself is quite theatrical, and very professional. I don’t want to tell what happens in the video, I think it would ruin it. What I can tell you is that Odium is not only a master of melodic death metal, but as well masters of time...

- Lana Nimmons -

More Video Releases in VANDALA MAGAZINE

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Just Had to Be Blogged - Fiona Apple's “Every Single Night”

The wait is finally over, Fiona Apple’s long anticipated album, The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do is finally out!

Leading up to the release, the fantastic video for the single, “Every Single Night” came out. Firstly, the song is powerful, spine chilling, earth deep, and emotional. To some extent, this kind of fragile, personal, and dark work is expected from Fiona, but wow this is special. As one can expect, her lyrics are so poetic, and meaningful, at the same time, the words flow so naturally as if she is jazz scatting. She’s truly unbelievable in that regard, and her avant-garde approach to pop is definitely important to have shared in the world of music.

The video takes place in Paris and is equally intriguing, and gripping. Her tortured soul voice, matches her movements, and surroundings in the video as if the recording was actually from those shots; very believable. There are a ton of shots, and scenes throughout the video, some of my personal favorites are the alligator feeding, enormous snail behind the Eiffel Tower, swimming upside down, and the dancers with sticks on the street with her wearing a yellow coat. Love the creativity!

- Bag -

Fiona is currently on tour supporting The Idler Wheel..., experience the magic at a venue near you.  http://www.fiona-apple.com/tour.html

More Reviews and Interview with 3 Inches of Blood By Bag 

In Vandala Magazine 

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Counting Crows at Echo Beach in Toronto

Nineties alternative rock band, Counting Crows, played a cottage country setting at Echo Beach with sand under feet, a waterfront view, and an audience drinking tall fat cans of Molson Canadian. It was easy to forget we were in Toronto with an older crowd nostalgic for times past.

They opened the set with the beautiful ballad “Round Here”. Blue lights shone on stage as lead singer Adam Duritz intercepted well known lyrics with poetic words in the vein of Jim Morrison. His styling kept the theme of the night ethereal with references to summers past. The sadness of fading into winter remained in the background as the breeze off the water kept us in the present. The crowd was responsive and generous with  applause.

"I wish I was a Girl" opened in darkness and quiet, met with red and pink lights. A crowd favorite, Adam revealed his authentic stage presence miming with hands over face. When they played "St. Robinson in his Cadillac Dream", Adam showed shoeless feet, sitting on top of a speaker. He told us the song was about a man who dreams. A keyboard solo leaned into a transition of “Crimson and Clover”.

A spotlight embraced a piano solo by Charlie Gillingham. “I Am Ready” caused two jocks standing in front of me to wrap their arms around each other swaying in time with the music.The song matched the mood of the venue; a peaceful crowd caught up in recollection and music. References to colors, matched with lighting reflecting ambiance, joined accordions and harmonicas, keeping the evening rustic.

The best song of the night was announced as a lullaby for us. “Holiday in Spain” was part of the encore containing a gorgeous guitar solo with accompanying chill in the air, reminding us it was time to go home. For more information regarding tours and music, check out their website: http://www.countingcrows.com/

- Deeanna Danger -

For More Show Reviews Read 

Vandala Magazine Online Free

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Special Event – Sturgis North

The second annual Sturgis North 2012 promises to be a fantastic event.  It includes Classic Rock Bands, Biker Build Off, Show & Shines, Poker Rides, Trade Show, Demonstrations and Motorcycle Rodeo Games.  Sturgis North 2012 hosts a stellar lineup of outstanding classic rock musicians playing throughout our 5 day festival, at the Vernon Sun Valley Motoplex, a licensed Festival Venue. The music festival starts Wednesday, July 18, 2012 and Jerry Doucette & Rick Derringer will kick off our first night of Classic Rock & Roll. Thursday, July 19, 2012, Foghat will take you on a “SlowRide”and Blue Öyster Cult will remind you “Don’t Fear the Reaper”. On Friday you can rock out with two very popular bands from last year’s event, Fear Zero & March Hare. Under the Friday night stars, Kim Mitchell will light up our lives with those “Patio Lanterns” and Brian Howe long regarded as one of rock's legendary voices, will rock the crowd with music from his historic days as the lead singer of Bad Company.

HEADLINE BAND LINE UP

Wednesday - JERRY DOUCETTE, RICK DERRINGER            

Thursday – FOGHAT, BLUE OYSTER CULT

Friday - KIM MITCHELL, BRIAN HOWE (former lead singer of Bad Company)

 Saturday - NICK GILDER & SWEENEY TODD, THE GUESS WHO

 Sunday – STAMPEDERS, THE STRAY CAT – LEE ROCKER

As well  there is an incredible talented supporting line-up including: 

Jasmine Cain,Snake Oil Sinners, Stampede Queen, The Farrell Weber Band, March Hare, James Shepherd & the Bones, & our Military songstress Danica Danielsen.

DON’T FORGET  THE BIKES – Not only is there a show and shine, and build comeption there is the “Biker Rodeo Games”. The competition shows off  maneuvering skills and riding technique. Along with the ever popular Barrel Race, Slow Race, Keg Roll, Weenie Bite, Kick start Race and Balloon Toss. I can say I cannot wait to watch this rodeo with motorcycle cowboys! Trophies and a pig roast will conclude each day of competition.

GUESS WHAT! Vandala  will be on the grounds bringing you day by day action of what is happening out at this amazing event from July 18^th to July 22^nd in our daily Blog. Then in August we will have a spread of the whole event. Also watch our facebook page on how to get great swag from us on location.

Be part of the excitement and purchase your ticket, plan your lodging or stay on-site as this year we have lots of camping available, so you can make the journey to Sturgis North 2012 a great memorable experience. More information Event & VIP passes, now available online, tickets can be ordered through our website at http://2012.sturgisnorth.com/tickets/

Live Music Friday – Fathers Day Weekend

It's Fathers Day Weekend so why not take dad out for a beer, and some live music. Our Events page has exploded so there is bound to be something you and dad will both enjoy!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Lapalux @ Lovebox Festival, London, UK

Good For Grapes @ Rio Theatre, Vancouver, BC

Vesperia, Valfreya @ Hard Luck Bar, Toronto, ON

The M Machine @ Flames Central, Calgary, AB

Paper Lions @ El Mocambo, Toronto, ON

Sound Of Music Festival @ Burlington, ON

Saturday, June 16, 2012

The Matadors @ Hard Luck Bar, Toronto, ON

NYCE @ Cabaret Underworld, Montreal, QC

Marduk, 1349, Withered @ Bossanova, Portland, OR

Spineshank @ Moe’s, Denver, CO

Hey Ocean! @ Vogue Theatre, Vancouver BC

Big Music Festival @ Belleville, ON

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Vampires Everywhere @

            Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

Raekwon @ Yonge Dundas Square, Toronto, ON

The Noble Thiefs @ Old Market Square, Winnipeg, MB

Porter Robinson@ Tequila Nightclub, Saskatoon, SK

Art vs Science @ Fortune Sound Club, Vancouver, BC

China Syndrome @ Railway Club, Vancouver, BC

MORE EVENTS ON OUR EVENTS PAGE 

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/vandala_concepts_concert_listings.html

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/vandala_concepts_e-zine.html

Free Music Thursday - Vandala Site Brings You More Music

IT'S HERE! Artist Features, Free Music & More

The time is finally here. Vandala is featuring more bands on our site! We are adding bands of all genres along with free music on a regular bases! We have updated our site, music player and added music to the free music page. The first set of bands up are Versus the Nothing {rock} , Scythia {Folk Metal}, The Mighty One {Rock}, All Else Fails {metal} ,Stone Iris {Blues,/Funk/Reggae}. Check their profiles and music out on our site. Also check out our new player at www.vandalaconcepts.com

and the new profiles and free music HERE

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE: to Vandala - Sign up now and get Vandala Ezine sent directly to your email every month Free! Plus Receive the following from Vandala Concepts FREE:

 • Link to Read the Vandala Ezine Online Edition!

• Subscriber Exclusive Content & Downloads

• Free mp3s of Hot Independent Artists!

• Automatic Entry into our Give Aways!

Vandala Interviewed

Crystal Lee the CEO of Vandala Concepts, was recently interviewed for the book "Your Band is a Virus"! This amazing book is a follow up to the first edition by James Moore of Independent Promotions. He talked to Crystal Lee about all the services Vandala offers, how to have success with those services, family, tips how to make it into Vandala Magazine, plus other industry knowledge and advice to make it all effective. Click here to read this packed and amazing interview from Crystal Lee. Also stay tuned for details about the new book that the interview will be in as well.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

http://www.independentmusicpromotions.com/2012/05/30/industry-interview-crystal-lee-vandala-concepts/

Video Wednesday - "Neverending Spirit"

Awards, and now  nominated for "Best International Artist" in the LA  Music Awards, 2012 has been good to Sydney's alternative/indie rock  buzz act Monks of Mellonwah, who are also celebrating the release of  their ambitious new EP “Neurogenesis”. Contributing to "Neurogenesis"  were Jeff Bova (Eric Clapton, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson),  renowned engineer Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, Muse, Beastie Boys, Red Hot  Chili Peppers), and Sydney producer Ryan Miller (RM Music). "Neurogenesis" features 4 alternative rock tracks that explore a range  of concepts from Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb in 'Neurogenesis' to the longing for life in 'Neverending Spirit'. 3  tracks from the release are available for preview at the Monks official website, and the lead single "Neverending Spirit" is featured on CMJ's popular May mixtape.  "Neverending Spirit", an ode to a lost loved ones and the enduring  nature of humanity, has an emotionally charged music video that the Monks have teamed up with HIP Video Promo (Johnny Cash, Bon Iver) to  release.

This video is very classic, and has a beauty to it. With a meaningful song as this you do not want to over complicate things thus with simple images played along with a screen behind the band playing the song is amplified with the simplicity. Overall I give the video 4/5 Dragons. The song "Neverending Spirit"4.5/5 Dragons.

 

Check The Band and Album Out at

www.monksofmellonwah.com

www.facebook.com/monksofmellonwah

www.reverbnation.com/monksofmellonwah

GET MORE MUSIC, NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE IN

VANDALA MAGAZINE {FREE ONLINE}

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

From The Inbox - Grenouer

Last month I was lucky enough to see Anvil live in Montreal at Underground (review available in June Ezine - READ HERE). I have a tendency to check out which bands’ tee-shirts people are wearing to concerts, and when I do not recognize the name, I note it down and take the time to find out who they are. It’s a little trick I’ve learned, and a great way to expand on my knowledge of the indie music scene. At the Anvil concert, there was a guy wearing a Grenouer shirt. After explaining why I was staring, he told me they were a really good band from Russia. Their site bills them as a Russian band that has “achieved cult status in their homeland and have been able to penetrate the confines of the Iron Curtain.” I actually checked out exact distance, and at 3996 miles, I’d say this is correct.

This post-grunge, apocalyptic metal band's influences are Smashing pumpkins, Bush, and Alice in Chains. There is a good reason their music has travelled this far: it is absolutely mind blowingly awesome. If you would like a good introduction to this band I would start off with their song A Passage in The Sky. I’m not a big metal head but this song makes me want to break stuff and start a circle pit. The guitars and bass are as hard and heavy as the drums, and the vocal are dark, fast, and grimy. I was a little confused by the xylophone solo at the beginning of the song - maybe it’s a little Russian humor. In any case, this is metal at its best, and which will be appreciated by metal heads across the globe. Check out their music at  http://www.reverbnation.com/grenouer

and check out the music video for Indecent Loyalty Below 

- Lana Nimmons -

More Great Music articles in Vandala Magazine 

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/vandala_concepts_e-zine.html

New Music Video - Shred It!

Toronto's own Raised Emotionally Dead are a perfect example of an up and coming band in Toronto’s music scene. They are the real deal creating music with a message. Their sound is rock, grunge, and alternative, with visits of heavy metal throughout. R.E.D is recognizing success making new fans and playing at more venues.

Off of the album release Memo, R.E.D created a kick ass music video for “Shed It”. Friend, make-up artist and photographer, Jason Gateman helped create this red themed vision, much like the backdrop and clothing of the band’s stage show and album.  It astounds me how good this video is considering it is the first video shoot Jason and the band have collaborated on. Here's their music video release for the hooky single "Shed It"!

R.E.D does justice to the alternative rock scene in the city of Toronto. They are politically and socially conscious with great personalities and stage presence. Members are gracious with coverage, and thankful for fans that support their albums and live shows.

They will be playing a big show at the Rockpile June 26th; I'll be there, be sure to check them out. The line up includes Great White, Faster Pussycat, Bullett Boys, Lillian X, and Diamonds.You will get to see 6 great bands for only $45.00 with a bus ride to the venue from co-op studios for $55. You can get tickets from the band themselves; they would be pleased to entertain you. As for the line up announced, I have an intuitive feeling R.E.D will be the best band there. I've seen their live show and reviewed their album. I love what they have brought so far.

Check out the album review I wrote of Memo on page 6 of June’s issue with Vandala http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/ and a live show review for May's issue on page 12 http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/e-zine/12_may/vandala_ezine_12_may.html

- Deeanna Danger -

Live Music Friday - June 8 - June 10, 2012

If the weather has been as bad as it has it has been here I suggest go for a drink and checkout out some live music. Lots of great shows this weekend.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Whiskyjack + Guests @ 

Tunnel Nightclub, Vancouver, BC

George Thorogood And The Destroyers 

@ Capitole Theatre, Quebec City, QC

Onra @ Underworld, Montreal, QC

Serpentine Funk 

@ Princeton Pub, BC

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Stars In Stereo 

@ Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC

Tribal Seeds 

@ Open Sky Music Festival, Edmonton, AB

Vesperia, Crimson Shadows, Aeron’s Wake, 

@ Dominion House Tavern, Windsor, ON

Otherwise 

@ House of Blues, Orlando FL

Ocasan 

@ Night Owl, London, ON

Rockabilly Roundup, The Palomars 

@ Fairview Pub, Vancouver, BC

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Swollen Members 

@ The New Black Centre, Calgary, AB

Weapon @ Park Theatre, Winnipeg, MB

Open Sky Music Festival 

@ Hawrelak Park, Edmonton. AB

Tribal Seeds, Through the Roots 

@  The Media Club, Vancouver, BC

MORE EVENTS IN VANDALA MAGAZINE

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/vandala_concepts_e-zine.html

Free Music Thursday - Warmer Weather With Music

The weather here has been a bit nasty the last few days thus trying everything to brighten it up so I thought I would bring Indie Surf Pop and a 90’s sound. Yes being inside is making me crazy!

Dante Elephante is an Indie Surf Pop Quartet from Santa Barbara California that have been winning over fans with their live performance.  Not a genre I am usually a fan of but when you’re dreaming of beaches it grows on you. This band has made some waves by opening for Mos Def, Royal Bangs, Rooney, Murs and Walk the Moon.  The bands first EP, German Aquatics  is overall beach music with a 50’s sound. You can picture full piece swim suits, super happy people on a beach and most of all sunny weather.  The Album is a $1 for 6 tracks on bandcamp so in essence free in my opinion. Though if your are super cheap there is a free download of their first single, Heartbeat, available for download.  http://soundcloud.com/merrifield-records/dante-elephante-heartbeat/s-5wBak

Being from the 90’s that grity that sound that says summer to me along with classic rock.  You know the 90’s are 20 years ago! But I have to say a great time in music. 

Brooklyn indie rock/punk trio EndAnd have released of "Adventures of Hi Fi in Space", a summation of two EP's  showcasing both polished studio and DIY recordings. The band says they are influenced by vintage (again feeling pretty old), which can be heard in the album but you still have a touch of the now.  They are a great mix of the grity, a little brit and the new throughout the album. You can name your price at band camp. Again I remind people albums do not make themselves and every dim helps a band.

- MCL -

Check out my article in JunesVandala Magazine

Talent is Talent but Bad Behavior is Bad Behavior

3 INCHES OF BLOOD FEATURE! 

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Video Wednesday - Crazy Voices in the Head

Firstly Matt Skiba and The Sekrets includes Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, Jarrod Alexander of My Chemical Romance on drums and Hunter Burgan of AFI on bass.  At first glance I thought this was a metal video but it’s upbeat rock!

"Voices” the first song off of “Babylon” begins with two young women in a room, one reading the palm of the other. The reader predicting a perfect life for her subject -- living to 86 years, a marriage of 70. However, things take a dark turn when she predicts a loss. Things take an even darker turn when the palm reader turns into some form of crazy demon lady.  I will note the music starts at about 54 seconds and when it does it was such a pleasant surprise.  The intro does tell a story so if you like videos that have a great story line then it works. For some cut to the music if you are one of those FFW’s.

As a the whole video looks like a great horror movie, but with upbeat music that is similar to Jimmy Eat World.   I have to give the band credit for having a creative video. Most bands with this sound would go with the bland, happy beat video or even to the high school scene of popular girls. It is still pretty light and not gory but it goes with the song perfectly.

The album “Babylon” has been described as “ten-tracks of addictively dancy rock and sing along melodies.” That is undeniable, and for fans that love this genre its perfect.

- Vandala -

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From The Inbox: Sand Reckoner

Sand Reckoner’s ten track album of 60’s/70’s influenced psychedelic blues grass rock will draw you in and you weird flashbacks. From Pennsylvania, the band consists of M. Reverdy Rhoades (vocals, bass, guitar, keys, harmonica), Jonathan Lesh (vocals, bass, guitar, keys), and Benjamin Hughes (drums). Like any good psychedelic rock album, each of their songs melts into the next, pulling their listener into a incense trance. With one home recorded album (The Shepherd, 01/10/10) and several live shows under their belt, they caught the attention of Jim Anderson, a producer/engineer who worked with artists like Guns & Roses, and ended up producing their first self-titled studio album.

Although Sand Reckoner is obviously influenced by bands such as Crosby Stills Nash & Young, they seem to have an interesting and modern twist on psychedelic blues/rock. Their lyrics are dark and persuasive, and their complex arrangements and bluegrass influenced melodies blew me away from the get-go. For a bunch of guys in their early twenties, their sound is very mature and tight. I could go on about each song, but the reality is you need to listen the album from start to end. 

Check Them Out @ 

http://sandreckoner.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sandreckoner

- Lana Nimmons -

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