Live at The Cambie - 3rd Weekend in a Row

Friday night I found myself back at the Cambie for the third weekend in a row.  I had to go to catch a couple of my favorite guys performing as Clear the Coast.  Also on the bill was Deluge, indie punk band from Calgary, Alberta; Sharks! On Fire, power pop punk band from Vancouver, playing their second last show EVER; and Nanaimo's favorite hardcore band Trace the Sky.

As I mentioned, the two young men that make up Clear the Coast are two of my favorite guys.  Blake Deal is the lead singer of metal rockers Carry the Storm and his brother Cody Johannessen is usually at my side rocking out with me at every Carry the Storm show I make it to.  I know both these young men personally and knowing the talent that each of them possess, I knew I was going to like their newly formed project.

What took me by surprise was how impressed I was by Clear the Coast.  This isn't your ordinary run of mill acoustic duo.  Both have hard rock/metal roots and somehow that comes through when they perform acoustically.  The only possible way I can think to describe it is to compare it to Nirvana unplugged.  Not that these guys have a sound like Nirvana but like Nirvana's unplugged album, even when they slow it down and unplug they still fucking rock...y'know?  Their collaboration in song writing is outstanding and prolific.  I hope they pursue this project further, get some touring under their belts and record their tunes because I truly believe they're going to appeal to a very wide audience.  When they do, I'll share and prove to you all just how unbiased my opinion of their talent is!

Next up was Deluge!  Traveling all the way from Calgary these boys were made to get the fucking party going!  Their energy and fun songs are what's needed to get any girl to shake their ass.  If bands like Jimmy Eat World, The Fray and Weezer are your thing, you'll get your rocks off to Deluge as well.   I was happy to donate to their A & W fund and pick up their EP The Quiet Things.  You can pick up yours at deluge.bandcamp.com.

With the crowd warmed up it was the perfect setting for Vancouver's Sharks! On Fire to take the stage and really get us jumping! Playing their second last show in Nanaimo, these guys were giving it all they had!  It's always bittersweet for me to discover another talented band only to find out they're fucking breaking up.  After being together for eight years (we won't discuss the drummer issue) AND obviously tight together AND obviously good friends, I couldn't understand why they were calling it quits.

I had my chance to ask Dan Hum, vocalist and guitarist for Sharks! On Fire after the show.  Apparently, it's all his fucking fault!  I'm just kidding....sorta.  Truth is, Dan has moved back to Kamloops from Vancouver.  He assured me that music is still in the future for all the band members, each are getting involved in new projects, including himself.  That being said, I'm looking forward to seeing how they evolve with their new bands.  In the meantime, let's not forget the awesomeness of Sharks! On Fire....

EVERYDAY, THE SAME DREAM

Wrapping up the night was Nanaimo's own Trace the Sky.  Now y'all know how much I fucking love these guys...I've written about them a couple of times in previous blogs.  Not only is their music incredible but they are just so much fun to watch.  Matt Harder is not only a wicked bass player and lead vocalist, he's fucking funny too!  Their music rocks hard and it's not unusual for a mosh pit to break out at any given time, yet at the same time they manage to pull off a heavy power punk sound. This creates a draw of metal, hard rock and punk fans.  It's the perfect blend and was the perfect end to another awesome night at the Cambie.  They ended the show with my personal Trace the Sky favorite Lessons Learned, but I've shared that one with you before.  This one is another favorite of mine and I know you're gonna love it too.  Here's In Time....

IN TIME

Now you would think three weekends in a row of great live music would be enough for any rocker, but no fucking way!  I'll be there again this coming Friday to catch Aviator Shades' return and get more merch!  Fuck I love rock n roll............ ; )

Y'all know how much I like to spread the love....here more links for you to check out....
Like on Facebook
Clear the Coast https://www.facebook.com/clearthecoast
Deluge https://www.facebook.com/Delugecalgary
Sharks! On Fire https://www.facebook.com/sharksonfire
Trace the Sky https://www.facebook.com/tracetheskymusic
Cat Hennebury  https://www.facebook.com/CatHennebury
Follow on Twitter
Sharks! On Fire https://twitter.com/SharksOnFire
Trace the Sky  https://twitter.com/tracetheskyband
Cat Hennebury https://twitter.com/CathyHennebury
Buy on Bandcamp
Deluge http://deluge.bandcamp.com/album/the-quiet-things
Sharks! On Fire http://sharksonfire.bandcamp.com/track/sharko-polo
Trace the Sky http://tracethesky.bandcamp.com/album/messages
Subscribe on YouTube
Deluge https://www.youtube.com/user/DelugeCalgary
Sharks! On Fire https://www.youtube.com/user/SharksOnFireOfficial
Trace the Sky https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6kSvX9pqyigBNskjRlS6YA

Live at the Cambie

The last couple of weekends found me at the Cambie Bar, my favorite haunt in Nanaimo....yeah, that's right, I was on the wrong side of town and let me tell you rockers...they were fucking doing it right!  A week ago I was there for Carry the Storm and Under the Mountain and this past weekend the rock continued with SplitTRACT, Soundstem and Nanaimo favorites and home boys No Operator!

Last week Carry the Storm opened the night with their unique brand of metal.  It doesn't matter what kind of metal you're into, Carry the Storm has created a sound that seems to blend them all together!  They're my favorite local metal band and they fucking rock the place to it's foundations everytime they play.  Oh, I should also mention that they were the judges favorite at the VIU (Vancouver Island University) Battle of the Bands and actually got paid!  I hear their winnings are going into the artwork for their upcoming EP!  I can't wait for that release!

Under The Mountain are the fucking hard rockers that took home honors at this past year's Cambie Battle of the Bands and they never disappoint....though I'm really starting to wonder if Steve (lead vocals and guitar) knows how to play without a hangover...everytime I catch them he's well, under the weather, let alone under the mountain.  Doesn't seem to fucking matter....they kill it everytime!  They too are promising an upcoming EP release!

This week the I was treated to Vancouver's SplitTRACT and was fucking blown away by the incredible talent of this band.  Hard Rock is their style and man, they are fucking tight!  I'm not the only one noticing either...local radio stations have picked up on their sound and have been sending it over the airwaves.  I highly suggest  you pick up their EP while it's still dirt cheap...these boys have the makings to make it big and it won't be long before their merch goes up in price - and rightly so! And dare I say...not hard on the eyes either.  Oh fuck it, check them out for yourself....

ALONE

Next up was another Vancouver band, Soundstem, and what a great set!  Randy...killer bassist for SplitTRACT did double duty and played bass for this band as well!  I feel I know Randy well because after every song he played (for both bands) an enthusiastic fan (I believe his name was Geoff - don't know if that's how he spells his name, he just struck me as a Geoff with a G...) yelled out "I love you Randy" ....not in a gay way (not that there's anything wrong with that) but in a drunken friend at 2:00 am way.  Well I fucking agree Geoff...I fucking love him too!  This band has been around for a while and played originals off both their CDs as well as a covers of Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive and Billy Idol's Rebel Yell!  One of the originals they played is Erase and also the first track on their CD Tomorrow can Wait....check it out rockers....

ERASE

Headlining the show was No Operator and also what drew me to the Cambie for a second weekend in a row.  These guys are fucking amazing!  I missed their show a couple of months back and was heartbroken....stupid winter weather...and there was no fucking way I was going to miss this one!  There's a reason these guys are the fucking beaus of the ball in Nanaimo!  No Operator has managed to find the perfect blend, a clean sound that appeals to rock fans yet hard enough for metal fans to throw their horns in the air and start a mosh pit.  And oh yes....there was definitely a pit!  Their high energy is contagious and they had the joint jumping!    Goes to show you don't need a large stage to move around because these boys used every bit of that small stage and put on a show like no other! 

There is something else I need to share with you about No Operator.  These boys are just more than pretty faces!  I've had the opportunity to really dig into their latest CD Weather and War (not a hard feat considering I own it) and not only am I impressed by their incredible talent as musicians but also by their intelligence.  Their songs are rife with political opinions and they're using their gift of music to not only open ears, but minds as well.  I have to admit, I had a hard fucking time trying to choose just one of No Operator's songs to share with you!  I chose this one because it's just so fucking hauntingly beautiful.....

WITH ALL SIDES

These bands fucking rocked to a packed house and I have to congratulate Amber McGrath for a job well done in bringing talent like this to our appreciative ears!  But that's not all I'm congratulating this awesome chick for!  Saturday marked the 150th show she's brought to Nanaimo's Cambie Bar and I for one am grateful for her dedication and support of live local music.  The Cambie has been an awesome venue for local bands to stretch their stage performance muscles as well as gain new fans...good job Amber!  Yeah, yeah....I know....I still expect to pay the cover..... ; )

Where can you find more info on these bands?  Well, let me help you out!

If facebook is your thing:

Carry the Storm - https://www.facebook.com/carrythestormmetal

Under the Mountain - https://www.facebook.com/UndertheMountainband

SplitTRACT - https://www.facebook.com/splittract

Soundstem - https://www.facebook.com/Soundstem

No Operator - https://www.facebook.com/nooperator

If you like to tweet:

Under the Mountain - https://twitter.com/UnderThMountain

SplitTRACT - https://twitter.com/SplitTRACT

Soundstem - https://twitter.com/Soundstem

No Operator - https://twitter.com/NoOperator

Random links:

Carry the Storm - http://carrythestorm.bandcamp.com/

Under the Mountain - http://www.reverbnation.com/underthemountain

SplitTRACT - http://chriswitoskimusic.com/splittract/

Soundstem - http://www.reverbnation.com/soundstem?page_view_source=facebook_app

No Operator - http://www.nooperator.com/

Red Dragon Cartel

Hey rock fans....I heard a new tune by Red Dragon Cartel this past weekend that blew me out of my fucking shoes for a couple of reasons.  One ....well, simply put, Redeem Me is a fucking rocking tune.  Second it features my girl Sass Jordan.

Red Dragon Cartel is the new band featuring Jake E. Lee, prior guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne.  Bark at the Moon...remember that little ditty?  Well, though the writing credits went solely to Osbourne, Jake E. Lee and Bob Daisley were major contributors to the composition of that song in addition to the performance of it! Jake E. has been a contributor to many projects since those days with Ozzy and they all lead to the awesomeness of Red Dragon Cartel.

Montreal, Canada's own Sass Jordan is not a member of Red Dragon Cartel but an outstanding featured guest vocalist!  I was blown away to hear Sass's incredible vocals featured on this album mainly because, though a Canadian icon, many of my American friends haven't had the pleasure of hearing her.  Not surprising really...not many of our Canadian talents break through into the American music market...shame really...you guys don't know what you're missing.  So, in doing some research of the incredibly talented Jake E. Lee, I found Sass isn't his only Canadian connection.

Beginning with the obvious his current drummer in Red Dragon Cartel is Vancouver, British Columbia native Jonas Fairley.  I also learned that the first tune Jake E. learned to play on the guitar was The Guess Who's No Time....some of you may remember The Guess Who, that little Canadian group from the 70s and 80s (understated....fucking super group!!).

REDEEM ME

 

The Red Dragon Cartel is made up of Jake E. Lee, Ronnie Mancuso, Jonas Fairley and Darren James Smith and in addition to Sass they've featured some awesome guest talent on their first album including vocalist Robin Zander from Cheap Trick; Iron Maiden original vocalist Paul Di’Anno; former bassist from Pantera, Rex Brown; Slash’s Conspirator’s, Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz; and Five Finger Death Punch's Jeremy Spencer. Just released earlier this year if you haven't had a chance to check it out...you can take my word for it - Red Dragon Cartel's self-titled first album is definitely worth your listen!  Pick it up and commence rockin out!  Pure rock and fucking roll baby......... ;)

Check out more by Red Dragon Cartel and order their album at > reddragoncartel.com

Kyng - Burn the Serum

Eddie Trunk fucking rocks and because he does I listen to Eddie Trunk Rocks every week.  For those of you who don't know who the fuck Eddie Trunk is, well, let me tell you....Eddie Trunk is a huge supporter of metal and kick ass rock music.  Syndicated radio DJ and co-host of That Metal Show on VH1, Eddie keeps the classics alive and yes, sometimes even introduces us to new up and coming music.

Last year (2013), Eddie put in a lot of effort to back the Winery Dogs (you gotta fucking check out the Winery Dogs) and the last couple of weeks I've noticed he's been playing another relative newbie band.  If Soundgarden and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby it would sound just like Kyng.  Kyng is about to release their second album Burn the Serum and judging from what I've heard so far, it's going to fucking rock!

ELECTRIC HALO

Burn the Serum is set for release on Razor and Tie on April 15, 2014, so we don't have long to wait to hear the rest of what these kick ass Los Angeles rockers have in store for us.  In the meantime, you can order their first single Electric Halo from iTunes and pre-order bundles (includes hoodies, t-shirts, cds, etc) at kyngband.com.

Thanks again, Eddie, for sharing the rock!  Keep those horns up high baby....... ; )

Aviator Shades at the Cambie

Saturday night  I was so looking forward to going out.  Even my horoscopes were in my favor! The one for Saturday read that if I was single, I probably wouldn't be anymore by the end of the night....hmmmmmm.  And if that weren't interesting enough, the one for the next day read that I was going to be ill, but it would be of my own doing, and went on to describe a hangover.  I figured I was going to have a hell of a night!  Well, I did have a hell of a night, but it wasn't due to meeting Mr. Perfect or getting drunk and laid because neither one of those things happened.  By the way...horoscopes are bullshit.

No, I had a hell of a night because I headed up to Nanaimo to catch some live music.  I had to go really....I had promised Dave Gorman of Aviator Shades from Vancouver that if they ever performed on the island, I'd be in the audience....and well, I'm not one for breaking promises (especially the ones so fucking easy to keep) so I had to be there when they played The Cambie on Saturday. 

The night started off great!  Shortly after I took a seat, I was joined by Oliver Galloway "Ollie", guitar player for No Operator....the band featured in last week's blog! We chatted about some of the things currently happening for No Operator and it sounds like it will be an incredible year for an incredible band.  I also learned they'd be back at the Cambie in April....I will not miss that show come hell or high water....oh fuck....I probably shouldn't have said that (you can probably bet on floods or fire hitting the island in April now).

First to hit the stage was Under the Mountain.  I saw this band for the first time during the finals of November 2013's Battle of the Bands at the Cambie.  They fucking rocked and I was highly impressed.  I wasn't the only one....they impressed the crowd, winning the people's choice, and they impressed the judges, winning the finals and taking home top honors and big prizes.  I was even more impressed Saturday night when they fucking rocked again.  This time my admiration was partly due to poor Steve Plantz (lead singer and guitar player for Under the Mountain), suffering from a killer hangover after celebrating his birthday the night before.  He still fucking killed it...and performed an acoustic cover of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here that gave me goosebumps.

By the time Aviator Shades hit the stage I was primed and as soon as they started to play, I started to shake my ass.  These guys perform with the high energy their songs deserve and let me tell you, it's contagious.  This is one of my favorite songs by Aviator Shades.  What can I say? It speaks to me.....

DOIN ALRIGHT

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

 

I had a chance to speak to lead man Dave Gorman after the set....my god, I love an Irishman.  Dave's been in Canada for a few years, dedicating himself and his efforts to his craft.  All I can say is Ireland's loss is Canada's gain.  Aviator Shades will be back in Nanaimo on May 9th and probably needless to fucking say so will I!  Next time though Dave, if you're gonna steal a kiss, hit the lips and make sure it counts....... ; ) 

Aviator Shades have a few dates scheduled across BC and even into the prairies in April.  Head over to their facebook page at www.facebook.com/AviatorShadesBand to check out more tunes and tour dates.  Don't forget to hit the "like" button while you're there.

No Operator

Bad hair day, my ass.  This weekend I was cursed and the powers that be decided to hand me a fucking smack-down.  I spent Friday night doing my taxes....yeah, good times....not.  The government is keeping with its practice of stealing from the poor to feed the rich....god dammit I gotta win the lottery!  If that wasn't bad enough news, thanks to being broke and mother nature (fucking snow), I had to bail on a show I've been looking forward to over a month.

Carry the Storm and Two Years and Counting opened for No Operator at my favorite bar in Nanaimo.  First let me tell you about the Cambie...it's not fancy, it's in a questionable neighborhood and it fucking rocks!  The drinks are reasonable and so far I haven't come across another local venue that supports local artists and kick ass rock and roll more!  So, if you find yourself in Nanaimo, BC on a Saturday night, there's always a good time happening at the Cambie!

I was especially disappointed to miss this show for a number of reasons. First, as stated above, the Cambie is always a good time on a Saturday night.  Second, Carry the Storm is an amazing thrash metal band and I try to make it to as many of their shows as possible.  Third, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Two Years and Counting perform, though I have checked out their digital album on bandcamp and they fucking rock hard! Finally and possibly most importantly I fucking love No Operator.

No Operator is one of those uber talented rock bands whose audience is often made up of other musicians.  They have garnered the respect and admiration of their peers and let me tell you boys and girls....that's the type of band you want to support!  They are the Velvet Undergrounds of our time and generally ahead of their time.  They know their craft and are not afraid to break new ground.

That being said, No Operator is getting respect from music fans as well.  They are becoming a fast favorite, playing gigs across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland as well as getting decent airtime on local radio stations.  Here is a taste of why....and again, No Operator is breaking new ground because I rarely share live performances....to be honest I find the sound quality usually fucking sucks, but not so in this case.  Please, take a listen to With All Sides by No Operator performed live at the Cambie in March of 2013.....

WITH ALL SIDES

So there you have it.... and that's just their mellow stuff - when No Operator ramps it up they're a force for reckoning..... and why I'm so fucking pissed I missed this show!   I'm not quite sure who's so fucking pissed at me they felt they needed to curse me, but when I find out, they'll be getting a personal smack-down of their own!  After all, I have been taught it's better to give than to receive.......... ; )

You can find No Operator on facebook at www.facebook.com/nooperator.  You'll find all their info and their music there.  If facebook isn't your thing, please take the time to review their music on their bandcamp page at nooperatormusic.bandcamp.com.  If you dig it (and I know you will) make sure you buy it! 

Leona's Sister

Here's to the girl who lives on the hill, she won't rock n roll but her sister will!  Hell yeah!  That rings fucking true for Canadian rockers Leona's Sister.

Based out of Toronto, Ontario, and originally a recording project developed by JT (lead singer and song-writer) in 1988, Leona's Sister would evolve into a band with a recorded EP by 1999.  Unfortunately that same year, JT would suffer an accident that would halt the band for another 11 years.  In 2010, regardless of still suffering with some of symptoms of her injuries, JT decided she needed to let loose the songs she had been writing over the years and revived Leona's Sister.  She's joined by Barb Piatkowski on drums, Barry "Bazman" Twohig on bass, and Deputy Dave Hanson (this guy is fucking funny) and Len O'Sullivan on guitars. 

Their rock n roll style takes us back to the simpler times of rock.  They're not heavy with synths or special effects....and auto tone - well, fuck that.  No....Leona's Sister is about the music....they're all about the lyrics that speak of real life pains and pleasures; they're all about crunchy guitar riffs and timeless rock rhythms.  And man...you just gotta fucking hear JT's vocals! Incredible!

NIGHT TURNS INTO DARKNESS

Leona's Sister doesn't need to dress up what they create....it stands strong raw, naked and fucking proud!  Oooo yeah baby!  That is what rock and roll is all about!.....huh, weird.... I suddenly have an incredible urge to dance naked....... ; )

For more information about Leona's Sister visit their webpage at www.leonassister.com ...you'll also find more videos, music and links there!

The Burning Crows

Mmmmmmm......I'm in the mood!  That's right rockers.....I've found another band that gets me hot and bothered!  The Burning Crows are fucking hot!!  Their brand of kick ass rock and roll is enough to get the heart racing and blood burning AND they are definitely not hard on the eyes either!

Their sound is hard enough that the guys will think they're cool and they're fucking sexy enough that women will want to throw their underwear at them.  That's right....they're bringing sexy back and making it fucking cool to listen too!  It was exactly this back in the days of horny teenageness that turned me on to rock in the first place.  I can pretty much guarantee that any guy that takes his girl to a Burning Crows show is not only gonna enjoy the music, he's also gonna get fucking lucky after the show.....probably in the fucking parking lot!

TIME

Based in the UK, The Burning Crows have me wondering if swimming the Atlantic would really be that difficult....hmmmmm, maybe I should try a few laps in the pool first........ ; )

Check out their website at www.theburningcrows.com!  They got everything there....tunes, videos, links, tour dates!

Bleeker Ridge - Sleep

Hey kids....no fucking time to write so I'm just gonna share a song.  These dudes were supposed to be opening for Buckcherry in Victoria the other night but their fucking van had other plans.  Anyway, I love their tunes and one of these fucking days I'll catch them live....FOR SURE!!!

This is Bleeker Ridge's Sleep....

SLEEP

This is off their latest album, Four.....and it fucking rocks.  I have it and I highly recommend it.  If your a rock fan it belongs in your music collection!  Rock and fucking roll baby ......... ; )

Four is available on iTunes at itunes.apple.com ....like their facebook page at www.facebook.com/BleekerRidge

Buckcherry in Victoria

My head is still fucking reeling!!  Last night I had a fucking blast at the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria!  I have no doubt this theater is home to all kinds of cultural events that expand and develop the mind and last night was no exception.  The McPherson may have been rocking fucking hard with One Bad Son and Buckcherry, but I also learned a few things from these rockers.

I'm not quite sure what happened to the original line-up....when I bought my ticket before Christmas it was slated as Buckcherry with Airbourne and Bleeker Ridge.  I was fucking over the moon when I heard One Bad Son was added to the line-up.  I'm going to assume they were replacing Airbourne.  Well....shit happens and Bleeker Ridge didn't make the show either....something about a broke down van....?

Well, I don't fucking care....I'll catch Bleeker Ridge another time (fucking LOVE those guys)....because that meant that One Bad Son took the stage for a whole hour instead of the half hour they were originally set to play!  Many of you know I am crazy about One Bad Son music....I've been a fan for a number of years....but FINALLY the fucking stars lined up and I was able to catch a show!  They sound even more incredible live!!

So.....that brings me to the first thing thing I learned.  Apparently it's supposedly uncool to dance to the opening band??? Fuck that!!  As soon as One Bad Son started to play I was on my fucking feet, dancing, singing and clapping and I fucking stayed that way until they finished!  Not only did they play their hits from their self-titled album but they also treated us to a few new songs they've been writing for their upcoming album! Let's just say I can't fucking wait to spend more money on these boys!!!

Well, my perseverance to rock out paid off because after the set, Kurt tossed me a drumstick....(I was in the second row, so it was an easy toss).  Which brings me to the second thing I learned....even if you are perceived as uncool at first, attention from the band suddenly makes you cool again.  Eh....I didn't fucking care what anybody else thought anyway....I can't fucking sit down at a live show!  Oh....by the way....the boys in One Bad Son are fucking hot!!  I wonder if any of them has a single dad.....??

Then Buckcherry hit the stage and everyone was on their fucking feet.....about fucking time.  Another fucking excellent live act!  High energy and fucking hot!!  I almost came in my jeans when halfway through the show Josh Todd took off his shirt.....meow!!  No fucking doubt that man could make me purr!!  As if the crowd weren't wild enough, they fucking lost their minds when Buckcherry played Crazy Bitch!  

CRAZY BITCH

Which brings me to what else I learned.....apparently I'm not a crazy bitch....you see, Josh was kind enough to let us know exactly what a crazy bitch is.  A crazy bitch is between 18 and 25 years old, she keeps her pussy and asshole waxed, and she doesn't give a fuck about Buckcherry because she's too fucking busy fucking her way to the top.  Well.....maybe I'm a little crazy.....I'll leave the why to your imagination.......... ; )

One word of advice....get your ass to a Buckcherry show!! For tour dates and tickets go to buckcherry.com/events!!!

Last Bullet

Canada fucking rocks!  Where have you heard that before?  Oh yeah, from me!  Because it's fucking true, rockers.....and I got more proof for you! Thanks to Roy Galpin....PR man with outstanding taste in music......for bringing Last Bullet to my attention!

Last Bullet is fucking rocking the shit out of Toronto!  The band consists of Bryan Fontez - lead vocals, Brenden Armstrong - lead guitar, Michael Silva - rhythm guitar, Chris Galaz - drums and Will S - bass.  These guys are definitely influenced by the sexy, dirty, high energy rock n roll sound that launched bands like Motley Crue, The Black Crows, Hinder and Stone Temple Pilots into super stardom, yet without a doubt have claimed that sound as their own through their own unique style.  Trust me....if you haven't heard them on the radio yet, it won't be long!  Well....enough fucking talk from me....just listen.....

FORGET THE REST

The only downside?  They're in fucking Toronto and I'm on the west coast!  I think it might be time for a west coast tour boys.......... ; )

Visit Last Bullet on their website at lastbulletmusic.com to catch more tunes and information.  You can hit their links there too!  Believe me, these boys are worth stalking....er following!

Trace the Sky

This weekend found me rocking at one of the coolest fucking little bars in Nanaimo, The Cambie!  I love this bar, notwithstanding the slightly shady area of town because they fucking support the local music scene.  I haven't been to this pub without being blown away by the local island talent and Saturday night was no fucking exception.  You see, Saturday night The Cambie hosted the Trace the Sky Messages EP release party.

The night kicked off with a fucking kick ass performance from Carry the Storm....island Metal at its best! At the end of the night I had a conversation with Blake Deal, front man for the band and was told they will be hosting their own EP release party soon, so you can be guaranteed that they will be front and center in the Litter Box very soon!

Next to hit the stage was the trio of Atlas Collapses.  It was the first time I'd heard this band but it definitely won't be the last.  A friend next to me put it best, so I'm gonna steal his description of their music...."they're like a jazzy Muse."  I will definitely be paying closer attention to Atlas Collapses!

The real treat of the night though was of course when Trace the Sky hit the stage and performed their EP live!  Matt Harder may be the bass player and front man for Trace the Sky, but all the members  including Liam Glaim - vocals and guitar, Matt Gladman - guitar and vocals, and Chris Anderson - drums and vocals....all have a dominate presence in Trace the Sky.

What each member brings to the band creates a mash of styles that include rock, metal and surfer punk....I fucking love it!  Fans can dance, jump, headbang and/or fucking mosh!  It's fucking incredible!  I picked up the EP and am fucking loving it!  In fact, I'm loving it so much I'm having trouble picking just one song to share with you!  Here goes....eenie, meenie, minie, moe.....Lessons Learned it is!

LESSONS LEARNED

Some of their songs are on youtube....subscribe to them at www.youtube.com/use/TraceTheSkyMusic and some of them are on bandcamp at tracethesky.bandcamp.com but I'm not seeing a place yet to pick up the EP....my suggestion....bug the shit out of them on facebook at www.facebook.com/tracetheskymusic and tell them to get it fucking posted!  I'll bug em too....after all, I'd fucking hate for y'all to miss out.......... ; )

One Less Reason

Well, this weekend was filled with more sports than music for me.....Saturday was Hockey Day in Canada and then NFC Championship on Sunday!  As sorry as I was to see the 9ers lose, it was a fucking awesome game....football at it's best.  In between games though I did manage to fool around on facebook a little and it was that fooling around that led me to listen to One Less Reason!

Roll over country fans, there's a new band in town and they are rockin it!   Based out of Tennessee, One Less Reason is made up of Cris Brown on vocals, Kolter Boatwright on bass, Jerry Bailey on guitar and Jeff Moore on drums.  They have five albums under their belt....independent albums....now that's some serious shit baby!

Holy fuck these guys rock!  They remind me a little of Nickelback's early stuff, back when they fucking rocked.....and yeah, Nickelback haters, Nickelback used to fucking rock....The State and The Long Road are fucking awesome albums, so just fuck off with your hate. 

There's no room for hate with One Less Reason.  A Million Miles is a single from their latest album Blueprint for Writhing and I'm gonna share the video they used for their crowdsourcing, kickstart project last year, and the one they're using now to raise some cash for album promotion.

A MILLION MILES

Well, there you go....they rock and have a sense of humor.....and oh my, that southern drawl!  That's it....they have my heart.  Perhaps one day I'll see them perform live and I can offer up one or two other body parts......... ; )

Visit their website at onelessreasonmusic.com to find information on how you can support this awesome band! 

Aviator Shades

You know....I talk a lot of shit about how I gotta get out to see and hear great music.  I've said a dozen times I gotta get my ass to Texas....or to Arizona...or the UK....and one day I'm sure I will.  In the meantime though, I'm finding that there is a never ending supply of kick ass rock and roll right here at home.  (My home being British Columbia, Canada).

In fact I've talked about many of them to you....there's Cupla, One Bad Son (though originally from Saskatoon, they're based out of Vancouver now), Fatal Instinct, Carry the Storm, No Operator, Trace the Sky, The Distributors....anyway, I think you get my point.  Well....I've got another one for you!

Aviator Shades, simply put, is good old rock and fucking roll!  These guys have a classic and energetic style and sound that pulls in fans of all ages!  I've only heard a few songs and I'm fucking hooked.  Their blend of rock, blues and just enough metal to give that hard edge have quickly made them one of my favorites.  Not only would I feel comfortable about telling my kids to check out this fucking kick ass band, I would also easily tell my friends....that's right....the old folks!

Before Spring hits, Aviator Shades will be heating things up, performing around our beautiful province.  My turn to be in the audience will happen March 1st at the Cambie in Nanaimo!  Fuck I love the Cambie....they bring in the best fucking live music.  If you're in the area, you should join me.  If you're not well maybe you can get to one of their other shows....their tour dates are listed here >  facebook.  Give em a like while your there.

AVIATOR SHADES

Free embed music player from ReverbNation.com

I can't fucking wait for March!  Aviator Shades, I'll see you then!  I'll be the drunk blonde shaking her ass and howling...no, fuck, wait....I'll be driving....I'll be the sober blonde shaking her ass and howling...... ; )

Holy Pistol Club

I fucking love the sounds coming out of the UK and in particular from the Holy Pistol Club.  Though I do find them a contradiction within themselves.

That's right....a contradiction....they have managed to create an original sound that is also very retro.   Well take a listen....you'll see what I mean....

GET YOUR BOOTS OFF

They also must be very, very shy because I'm having a hell of a time finding any info on them at all!  All I can tell you is they are James Cairns - Vocals, David O'Neill - Guitar,  Chris Cunningham- Guitar, Ross Duffy - Bass, Craig MacKinnon - Drums and they're from West Dunbartonshire.  Oh....and of course.....they fucking rock!  Huh....guess that's all we need to know........ ; )

Like em on facebook and follow em on twitter!

Big Cock

Hahahahaha! How many of you thought you might have clicked on the wrong blog....well, not the wrong blog....the other Cat blog!  With a title like that it wouldn't be surprising!  Nah...if you're looking for music, you are in the right place.

Big Cock is a band.  They've been around for awhile...since 2005 but I've only come across them recently.  I fucking love their style....let's see, how do they describe themselves?  Oh yeah...."the band plays a variation of 80’s rock and refers to their musical style as “cock rock.”"  That's their description....my description....dirty, sexy rock that makes dirty little rockers such as myself shake their fucking asses!  .....or stripper music, hahahaha!

Well, I'm feeling a little frisky this morning, so I think sharing some Big Cock is fitting....hahahaha...oh shit....I'm even cracking myself up this morning!  This is a song after my own heart...

M.I.L.F.

Well....a girl's gotta stay warm somehow!  One piece of advice, though...if you want to search for this band online, search Big Cock music!!! I speak from experience!  Have a great day rockers and with any luck, I've inspired you to go out (or stay in) and share the love .......... ; ) 

Check out more music and videos from Big Cock at www.last.fm

Angel One

Y'all know I'm a huge fan of October Sky!  These boys have serious fucking talent and deserve to be recognized as the rock stars they are....though they are way too humble to ever think of themselves as such.

Angel One is one of the most heartbreaking, touching songs you'll find on their latest album The Aphotic Season.  The emotions October Sky evoke in this song are real....their messy...and we've all felt them.  The boys just recently released an official video for this latest single and I'm warning you now....you might cry.....I fucking did.

ANGEL ONE

Well?  Are you crying?  If not....oh my god! Do you have a heart of stone??  Anyway, whatever emotions October Sky writes and sings about, they never fail to do with a sense of class and a sexy style that drives this rock and roll chick wild......... ; )

Visit October Sky at octobersky.ca.  You can catch the latest on what their up to and all their links from there.

Forever Still

One of my very favorite things is clicking on a tune from a band I've never heard before and discovering something that fucking rocks.  Well, it's gonna be a great day because it happened to me this morning when I clicked on Forever Still's bandcamp page!

Hailing from Copenhagen Denmark and fronted by Maja Shonning this band will blow you away at first listen.  Forever Still can certainly give Evanescence and Lacuma Coil a run for their money. Conceived in 2009 and building steam and energy ever since, Forever Still has developed their line-up over the years and released their first EP Breaking Free earlier this year.

Combining melodic rock with the heavier strains of metal and hard rock with a dash of industrial techno added in, Forever Still has created a progressive rock sound that is fresh and new yet classic as well.  I imagine they will enjoy great success not only in Denmark but around the world.  You gotta check em out....and be sure to listen to the end, Forever Still will surprise you....in a fucking rocking way!

THE KEY

What did I fucking tell you!  What a great fucking way to start a day!!  Rock on boys and girls, you can thank me later....... ; )

For more info on this kick ass band check out their webpage at foreverstill.dk.  You can catch all their links there as well!

Hockey Night in Saskatchewan?

Now I know y'all know how crazy I am about One Bad Son....well, there must be something in the Saskatchewan water that produces kick ass rock bands because they keep fucking turning em out!  I came across Screamlyne a few months ago, and you may have caught my blog post in September ranting and raving about how much they fucking rock > Screamlyne. 

You may also know about how much I'm into supporting kick ass bands such as Screamlyne who are out there fucking doin it on their own, trying to get their songs heard.  I've often encouraged you to go to their shows, buy their music and their merchandise so they have the means to make more kick ass music. Another way you can support is by voting for them in various contests.  It doesn't cost you a fucking thing except maybe a couple of minutes of your time (if that) and it could mean big prizes or decent exposure for them.

Well, Screamlyne has entered CBC Music's contest to find the next great Hockey Night in Canada song. The winner will record a studio version of their song and be aired in a montage in prime time at the beginning of Hockey Night in Canada.  I've said it many, many fucking times...Canada fucking rocks!! Let's prove it to the nation by voting for Screamlyne!!

Now get your ass over....well, I guess you don't need to fucking move, just click this link > http://music.cbc.ca/#/Hockey-Night-in-Canada-Song-Quest.  Hit the Saskatchewan option and they'll pop right up.  Hit the vote button and you're done.  Then get into the fucking habit, bookmark the page and vote everyday!  Come on, it's the least you can do and you'll prove to me that YOU fucking rock just as hard as the rockers in Screamlyne......... ; )

This is the song you'll be voting for....

HERE I STAND

Dark December

Okay....I'm ashamed of myself.  I obviously wasn't stalking these boys hard enough last year, because this one slipped by me.  It took listening to Fresh Tracks this weekend on 106.9 The Wolf to hear this fucking awesome Christmas song from One Bad Son....and it was on LAST YEAR'S 604 Records Christmas compilation album, Bundled Up.

The song is Dark December and like One Bad Son, it fucking rocks.  I can't imagine a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than listening to great rock Christmas tunes....well....maybe a spiked Egg Nog and great rock Christmas tunes....

Anyway....I'm a year late but let's kick off this December and get into the Christmas spirit with this great tune from One Bad Son....... ; )

DARK DECEMBER

For more great videos from One Bad Son tune into One Bad Son TV on youtube > One Bad Son's kick ass youtube channel!