Authority Zero: Andiamo

(Lava, 2004)

Discovery:  I believe I first saw this band play with Pepper when I was really into my ska/punk phase.  

Result:  I remember seeing these guys live a bunch in a short period of time, being really into this record, and then sort of leaving it/them.  I have a few friends who this time period and this type of music really resonates with, so I find myself re-visiting AZ in those situations.  It is a good album and will have a special time and place for me, just not really the kind of music I'm devoted to these days.

Stand-out Tracks: "Revolution", "Find Your Way", "Retreat"

Austin Lucas: Somebody Loves You

(Suburban Home, 2009)

Discovery: I had heard his name before, but my first true listen to Austin Lucas came from the album he did with Chuck Ragan entitled "Bristle Ridge". I enjoyed the energetic folk-punk on that release, so I picked up this latest offering from Austin Lucas.

Result: This is a good chill-out/cleaning the house record, or an excellent background to a lazy summer day or a country drive. I am not particularly committed to this album because it's a little too country for me but it is a nice change from the usual "guitar-driven alternative rock/punk" I listen to frequently.

Stand-out Tracks: "Singing Man", "Wash My Sins Away", "Go West"

Audio Karate: Lady Melody

(Kung Fu, 2004)

"Last time I'll have to explain my withdrawal"

Discovery: Remember compilations? Cheap records featuring a variety of bands from a record label or festival, back when record labels ruled and you knew if you liked one band on a label, you had a good chance of liking a few more. I first heard Audio Karate on a Kung Fu comp called "Punk Rock is Your Friend". I believe it was $5 or something, and the title and some of the other acts on it caught my young attention.

Result: This album from the Californian quartet was produced by Bill Stevenson, and features great, dark, pop-punk anthems. I should listen to this album more often, because it is a dynamic collection of songs with distinctive vocals, hooky guitars and the type of punk rock angst that shows personal struggle and maturity.

Stand-out Tracks: "Jesus is Alive and Well (and Living in Mexico)", "Ms. Foreign Friendly", "Gypsyqueen"

At the Drive-In: Relationship of Command

(Virgin, 2000)

Discovery: I'm not entirely sure how I came to discover ATDI, but I believe I heard one of their songs on either a compilation or soundtrack of some sort. I didn't really fully appreciate them in their prime, and unfortunately they are one of the bands I love that I have never seen (nor will ever see) live. Shame shame. There are rumours of a reunion though, so keep those fingers crossed and look for former members in The Mars Volta (Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez) and Sleepercar (Jim Ward).

Result: This third and final offering from At the Drive-in is a fantastic post-hardcore offering of a musical style mixing hardcore, aggressive music and melody that has many times been copied but not often perfected like this band does. I should definitely own more ATDI. For those just discovering them, I would recommend the anthology "This Station is Non-Operational" as a jumping off point, as it gives you a great overview featuring 18 songs and is readily available (released by Fearless Records in 2005).

Stand-out Tracks: "One-Armed Scissor", "Enfilade", "Catacombs"

Arkells: Jackson Square

(Dine Alone, 2008)

Discovery: The people at Dine Alone sent over the Arkells EP "Deadlines" before its release in 2007, and it was apparent to me that this was a band that had something going on. An extensive touring schedule meant I have had the pleaseure of seeing them live many times over the past few years, which is where this band really shines.

Result: This is a great album. While I was a little annoyed that they put ALL the songs from the EP on the record, it's a fantastic listen and reminds me a lot of summer. Definitely worth picking up, and you must get to a live show.

Stand-out Tracks: "Tragic Flaw", "No Champagne Socialist", "I'm Not the Sun"

Architects: Hollow Crown

(Distort, 2009)


Discovery: This album came to me from Team Distort and friends. My buddy Adam is really into UK hardcore, and he first tipped me off to this band. With Distort releasing this album in Canada, I got to both listen to the record and see the band live when they toured with Misery Signals, Sights and Sounds and Dead and Divine. I like hardcore music with pretty singing over it.


Result: Architects are a great band to see in concert, given that this type of music lends itself to a very energetic and frantic live show. I don't listen to this album a ton, but find it most enjoyable while partying with friends or driving.

Stand-out Tracks: "Early Grave", "In Elegance", "Hollow Crown"

The Arcade Fire: Neon Bible

(Merge, 2007)

"I walked down to the ocean after waking from a nightmare"

Discovery:  See previous entry.

Result:  Neon Bible gets its name from the fantastic book by John Kennedy Toole, definitely a recommended read.  I would say most of my love for The Arcade Fire comes from watching them live.  That being said, I love listening to this album, especially when I'm in a mellow and contemplative mood.  Recorded in an old church the band bought and renovated, the strings, horns, haunting vocals layered with pretty backups and medley of instruments and sounds mean this album achieves the epic proportions it aspires to.

Stand-out Tracks: "Black Mirror", "(Antichrist Television Blues)", "My Body is a Cage"