Local 107.3FM

Category: Music Reviews

  • Album Review: The Nap Eyes – I’m Bad Now

    Album Review: The Nap Eyes – I’m Bad Now

    I’m Bad Now, the third album by the indie rock quartet, Nap Eyes takes the genre to an entirely new level.

    The group (comprised of Nigel Chapman, Seamus Dalton, Josh Salter, and Brad “Bronson” Loughead) are based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia and have been performing together since 2011. Their third album manages to create a unique sound that is both laid-back and thought provoking.

    Released on March 9th, I’m Bad Now presents listeners with poetic imagery, of the sort that is not overly common in this age of music. The band are ahead of their time lyrics-wise. Most of the songs in the album are fascinatingly lyric-driven, creating an intricate narrative that is both welcoming and inviting for listeners. Images of quiet and calm places are recurring throughout this album, such as in the song, “Follow Me Down” Where the singer depicts two people walking next to a body of water. This makes the album an excellent, and relaxing, assortment of songs to sink into.

    Each song of this album has characteristics of its own, but the what links them together is the rhythm section of Salter and Dalton. Their powerful basslines and drumming drives the album forward. 

    A very warm feeling is incorporated in the sound and lyrics in most of the songs of this album. The earnest theme of the album, “I’m Bad Now” can be best summarized in the lyrics of the chorus of the song “Every Time the Feeling:”

    Oh I can’t tell what’s worse

    The meaninglessness

    Or the negative meaning

    I figured out a way to get on with my life

    And to keep on dreaming

    These lyrics are inspirational and encouraging, whilst the driving rhythm of the song enhances the album and makes it an enjoyable listen, whether for leisure or reflection.

    I’m Bad Now is greatly expanding on the indie-rock genre and is developing the perception of Maritime music in an undeniably positive way.

     

     By Heather Ellick

  • Album Review: Beauty In The Blue finds beauty in the journey

    Album Review: Beauty In The Blue finds beauty in the journey

    Sarah Hiltz takes listeners on her latest Canadiana inspired trip.
    By Heather Ellick

    Sarah Hiltz is a Toronto-based songwriter magnifying the splendour of new-age, alternative Canadian folk music with the November release of her fifth album: Beauty In The Blue.

    Co-produced by Sarah and Kevin Howley, Beauty in the Blue is  made up of “songs and stories culled from [Hiltz’s] multiple journeys across Canada as a travelling musician on cross-country Via Rail passenger train, ‘The Canadian’.” In a sense, listening to this is like hearing the soundtrack of a long journey.

    Hiltz describes the album as containing the unique tone of “both pain and beauty, suffering and art,” and sure to catch the hearts and ears of many. Upon first listening to this album, it displays a very peaceful, yet lonely feeling. These features are enhanced by mostly relaxed background vocals and instruments. With Hitlz’s distinct, but delicate voice there is no need for compensation of any intricate song patterns; which is wonderful.

    One song that boldly stands out is “How to Pour Whiskey for Strangers”. The chorus show a special form of poetic – and genuine – loneliness:

    I’m staring into faces that I don’t know / C’mon look me in the eyes; I need to feel somebody’s soul / I can see you keep your secrets hidden underneath that hat / Won’t you tell me everything about that?

    Hiltz presents many different emotions consistent with the genre and themes of the album. Some songs are quite relaxed, and others are almost eerie and very thought-provoking. The  song “No Proof” see’s Hiltz tackle the issue of not being able to ensure one’s own happiness but expressing that no person should dwell over things they cannot change. It recreates interactions between her and the people she has met but never got to know.

    Sarah Hiltz is an enticing artist well-worth listening to. Her music is a combination of new and old folk capable of leaving a listener in an entirely different state of mind. Beauty in the Blue comes highly recommended.