The PSBZ 09 Top 5!

2009 for me has been one of the best years in music that I have ever experienced (especially Toronto/ Canadian music). While there are far more than 5 bands that I am super stoked on, The ones I am about to list are on my absolute top shelf. Each are unique in their own right and as well, I feel are important to what happens from this point onward.

So without further a due

1. Lost Cities
Overwhelming in the live format. Most memorable performance of the last 10 years.
http://www.myspace.com/wearelostcities

2. Expectorated Sequence
Mega epic, mega power, totally honest.
http://www.myspace.com/expectoratedsequence

3. Vilipend
Biggest risk takers both musically and with lives {glad you're OK Chris}. New ideas in hevy music that are tight, crushing and exciting. The way it should be.
http://www.myspace.com/vilipendmusic

4. The Bulletproof Tiger
New kings of the "math" scene. Regardless of the tech these guys sound amazing.
http://www.myspace.com/thebulletprooftiger

5. This is Picture
Most unique and inviting music possibly in the universe. Add to that, Rob is mega swell.
http://www.myspace.com/thisispicture

So there it is, it's such a hot list that my eyes are burning from the text alone. More important than clicking through the links is to see the bands live. It is their ultimate environment.

Looking forward to what 2010 has to offer. If you have a next level band/ project, get in touch.

Robotto ;)

photo :: Lost Cities Myspace

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