Lost Cities

Usually the way it goes down is that a band materializes, plays a few crappy gigs, and maybe gets it together at some point quite a bit further down the road. Usually a band is a bit stinky in the beginning (sound and smell), and usually they don't stick around for more than 6 months. Well... The words usual, general, common, average etc, are not applicable in any way in regards to Lost Cities.

Kalan, David, Corey and Dave have been stewing for quite some time, writing, rehearsing, and polishing for nearly a year or so, so the grapevine tells me. Comprised of busy, talented dudes all splitting there musical lives with numerous other quality projects. Lost Cities has crafted and perfected the delivery of a flavor of post hardcore that is warm and inviting. Interesting because the material is by no means weak. Quite the opposite actually. Totally ripping without ever being brawny.

There seems to be a bit of influence from the mid 90s era of hardcore. Sort of a mix of Union Of Uranus, North Of America and maybe a little bit of that Shotmaker-ish stuff. This is not to be confused with Lost Cities being any sort of revival band, far from it. While they do have a feel that is relatable, the material and sound is 100% Lost Cities. Having seen them recently in Toronto playing to a rammed crowd at Sneaky Dee's, live this band is tight and delivers with their hearts and guts. Lost Cities is that band that takes your breath away.

http://www.myspace.com/wearelostcities
Image :: Crop from Lost Cities Myspace

Authors, What's In A Name?

Russian/ American author and professor of biochemistry, popular for his tales of science fiction Isaac Asimov stated, "the only constant is change". Change in this case being of a path and a name. Up until recently, Toronto post-hardcore quartet The Smile has been a 4 year project, off to the side for Akroid drummer Jason Galbraith. About a year ago famed Etobicoke drummer Aaron Morrice (currently of The Chronic and of past projects Gunnar Rapido, Straight Goods and Etobicoke Death Squad) joined the fold. Since that day, change and progress has been exponential with the project officially becoming and functioning as a band.

Even though The Smile's activity was infrequent at best. A fair bit of visibility was gained through a handful of shows and a Myspace page. With Aaron in the fold the band's activity and enthusiasm has picked up significantly, writing new material with a fresh perspective, and booking gigs much more frequently. As the last years activities played out and more interaction was afforded through the higher frequency of shows. It started becoming evident that the name The Smile was making a better door than a hallway. The comment to sum up the motivation for the change is as follows "I thought you guys were some kind of indie/ ska type band. I never would have checked it out if I didn't happen to be at this show".

Upon discussing the matter, the word "authors" came up and Galbraith's eyes lit up. "That's it!" he said, adding "I think it more appropriately sets the tone and vibe". So Authors it is with the band writing a new batch of material, gigging like crazy and booking Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes for the months ahead.

Authors Myspace ::
http://www.myspace.com/authors
Authors Facebook ::
http://www.facebook.com/pages/AUTHORS/131511009184?ref=nf

Damages | Scars 7"

Scars, Damages first official 7" is up for pre-order at Clue 2 Records. Word is that the same material will be released with a different jacket and vinyl colour in Germany by Deaf Cult although DC's website has yet to release the details.

If you don't know Vancouver's Damages and you like the early Discord and/ or Ebullition sounds, you will certainly like this. Although Damages crafts their music to modern standards, the fellas really get 90's post-hardcore and push the bar up a notch.

Go pre-order it now at Clue 2 Records. Ships in September.

MP3 :: Gears

Damages Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/damagestothearchive

A Mountain Far Launches New Site

Chances are if you have been to a Toronto "post hardcore/ screamo" show over the last year or so, it's most likely been an AMF show. A Mountain Far puts on the best shows, distros a lengthy and growing list of awesome diy releases, and makes a habit of connecting good people.

The human behind the machine is Matt Cuthbert, recent bassist of Siberia and past vocalist of the Veil. Matt has a knack for making stuff happen and tends to do a really good job. The launch of his fancy new webspace intends to promote and facilitate more great shows, connect like minds, and provide an organized public listing of the awesome releases he has collected for distribution.

Add AMF as a friend, drop a comment, connect with a like mind, and keep up with awesome Toronto shows, bands and activities.

http://www.myspace.com/amountainfar
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=69688521140&ref=search

Damages

Not sure what the sudden catalyst has been for a plethora of amazing bands to pop up across the country, but I'm certainly not complaining. From East to West, high quality creativity is afoot.

Damages are Westies from Vancouver and love past brilliance such as Shotmaker, The Jesus Lizard, Swiz, Fugazi & 400 Years to name a few. The band is at least as good as their influences not having just re-written other peoples material. Damages has spun a modern twist to that fractured, melody and dissonance sound. There is word of a 7" to be out in late July/early August on Clue#2 in Canada and on Deaf Cult in Europe. Can't wait!

Damages is highly recomended!
http://www.myspace.com/damagestothearchive
Clue 2 Records :: http://www.clue2records.com/

Photo :: crop from Damages Myspace

Tonnn

Bursting with activity would best describe Tonnn's world a la moment. New recordings, A split 12" with Lice on Itchy Roof re-k&rds and a massive US tour to seal the deal. Pretty awesome! Really stoked that this band is breaking out because Tonnn are one of the few bands actively and effectively evolving the 90s, frantic emo-screamo sound to something a lot more than 6/8, octave soaked, out of control, swing jams. Tonnn are pushing it forward in big ways. Can't wait for the split to drop, if the track "The Drone" is any indicator this record will kill!

photo :: taken from Tonnn Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/tonnnrules

Expectorated Sequence

I like to think that I have a pretty good idea about what's going on. Expectorated Sequence from Montreal proves that I don't. Authentic, well written and played 90s-esque, melodic, screamy hardcore that has been active for nearly 7 years. I'm thankful for there staying power because it has guaranteed me a listen. I seriously can't believe I have only found them now... The band is currently finishing it's latest batch of recorded material and is expected to play the Smiling Buddha in Toronto, June 21 presented by A Mountain Far. See you at the show!

Photo:: from the the band's Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/expectoratedsequence