New music

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/12/2016 (3535 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

POP / ROCK

Mohair Sweets
Dream Filled Nights (Independent)

At some point in their career, true musical artists need to make a decision. Do they continue to repeat themselves to satisfy their fan base or, in true rebel fashion, do they throw caution to the wind and try something different, no matter what the cost? Winnipeg’s Colin Bryce (Dub Rifles, Stranded, the Driving Wheel) — using the monicker of his magnificent (now defunct) music magazine and website Mohair Sweets — offers a fresh rendering of his creative side with the captivating DFN.

Evenly split, this four-track EP delivers both sides of his musical story. Bryce has always been a tough-as-nails rocker and his deep knowledge of combustible rock ’n’ roll is evident on the opening twin pistons of the title track and Motorhead obscurity Black Leather Jacket. In particular, Bryce knocks his guitar parts way out of the park and with able mates Greg Gardner (drums) and Russ “the Boss” Kroeker (bass), it’s a power trio for the ages.

Both Blues For Bobby and Mr. Sinclair dial down the energy at no loss to the creative fire. Using eccentric keyboard effects and some jazzy flourishes, Bryce reaches beyond the rock for his inspiration. Mr. Sinclair in particular delves into a soundtrack-ready realm that reveals being out of his comfort zone is a secure and triumphant haven for Bryce. Our dreams will be filled with hopes of more of this exotica from this artist. ★★★★

DOWNLOAD: Dream Filled Nights, Blues For Bobby

— Jeff Monk

 

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POP & ROCK

Metallica
Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (Blackened)

Metallica used to scare people. Inspired by Motörhead and prototypical speed metal, the earliest version of the band looked like wasted kids from the documentary Heavy Metal Parking Lot and sounded like 100 motorcycles revving in your driveway. In the ’80s, it released four albums — Kill ’Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets and …And Justice for All — that are arguably the template for every metal record that followed.

But since the 1991 black album went mega-enormous, the unruly California quartet has spent much of the past 25 years not quite living up to its early ferocity. So, does this ever-splintered music world even need a new Metallica album in 2016? The answer is emphatically “Yes!” as the quartet immediately cranks the tempo, volume and energy on opening songs Hardwired and Atlas, Rise!, which give way to the Misfits-ish Now That We’re Dead and the equally ferocious Moth Into Flame.

Featuring 12 songs over 77 minutes, Hardwired can’t maintain the intensity of its opening blasts, but even the few plodding or ballady tunes feature enough interesting moments (most courtesy of Kirk Hammett’s guitar) to hold the interest until the final salvo of ManUNkind, Here Comes Revenge, Murder One (an ode to Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister) and the unrelenting Spit Out the Bone — a last blast that will leave fans wanting more. ★★★1/2

DOWNLOAD: Hardwired; Atlas, Rise!; Now That We’re Dead

— John Kendle

 

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JAZZ

https://youtu.be/68XDDZ9HOV4

Ingrid and Christine Jensen
Infinitude (Whirlwind Recordings)

The Jensen sisters are from Nanaimo, B.C., but their careers have taken them all over the world. Christine (alto and soprano sax) has led large ensembles as well as small groups and Ingrid (trumpet) has released some fine albums under her leadership. Both have played in some great bands with folks such as Clark Terry, Terri Lyne Carrington and the acclaimed Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra.

This album, their debut on Whirlwind and the fulfilment of a desire to write and perform together in quintet form, is simply top-notch by any standard. The band also features guitarist Ben Monder, who played on Bowie’s Blackstar, Fraser Hollins on bass and Jon Wikan on drums. While mainly acoustic, there is a very neat blend of tranquil melodies and harder-edged rhythmic tracks. The solos by Christine and Ingrid are excellent and Monder often delivers a driving, funkier groove that works perfectly (check out Swirlaround). Monder also plays a Hammertone guitar on one track, creating an unusual sound somewhere between a mandolin and a harp.

There is no doubt that Canadian jazz artists can take a meaningful place anywhere in the jazz world. This album absolutely confirms that statement. ★★★★1/2

DOWNLOAD: Duo Space, Old Time

— Keith Black