Arts

The sound of indie band Sister Speak—who have members based here in Victoria as well as California—is a fusion of many different musical styles. Ecology and Indigenous issues are thematically central, as are themes of love and hope. “I’m definitely influenced by BC’s roots scene and the ’90s rock I grew up with,” says vocalist/guitarist/songwriter […]

“Lighght.” American poet Aram Saroyan was paid $500 USD (in 2020 dollars, roughly $4,125 USD) for the publication of this one-word poem in the early 1960s, and to date no poem has netted as much for its author per word. At the time, the payment and the publication of the poem were controversial, but sometimes […]

Brothertiger Paradise Lost (Satanic Panic) 4/5 Brooklyn-based electronic pop musician John Jagos explores longing and contentment in Brothertiger’s fourth album, Paradise Lost. The 10 songs follow a journey that starts in the discovery of serenity and ends with the realization that “home” is, perhaps, a fluid term. Jagos acknowledges that things aren’t always as they […]

When Morgan Waters attended the Applied Communications program at Camosun College in 2001, he never imagined that, a few short years later, he would be the director, co-creator, star, and writer of a web series that would be nominated for an International Emmy, take home a couple of Canadian Screen Awards, and get picked up […]

The entertainment industry has taken a beating around the globe, and Victoria is no exception. Dozens of local concerts were cancelled or postponed in the wake of COVID-19, and that trend continues as acts like Steve Miller Band, Limblifter, and Cowboy Junkies will not be making it to town for shows previously scheduled for September. […]

The Oracle Hypogeum (Repose Records) 4.5/5 One of the most vital decisions a musician makes while creating a stellar album is establishing a unique tone. Whether it’s as light and lovely as The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” or as tense as the Jaws theme, the tone a musician sets for their music is […]

Lee Reed Murder Hornet Landlord (Independent) 4.5/5 When it comes to recording music, there’s only one question the artist needs to ask: does the final product accurately convey their thoughts and feelings about the subject they are trying to depict? Using the compelling sounds of hip hop, Lee Reed’s new EP Murder Hornet Landlord provides […]

Primitive Man Immersion (Relapse Records) 3/5 After three years since their last full-length, Caustic, Denver-based doom/sludge metal band Primitive Man are dropping their new studio album, Immersion. “Heavy,” “furious,” and “demonic”: those are the words to describe Immersion. The album contains six tracks filled with growling vocals, powerful beats, and slow, heavy sounds that present […]

Concrete Free Us from Existence (Black Voodoo Records) 4/5 New York hardcore is one of the most iconic underground music scenes in North America. To help cement this reputation, the Albany, NY-based band Concrete is going to release a brand new full-length album Free Us From Existence today, and it’s very promising for hardcore fans. […]

New Fries Is the Idea of Us (Telephone Explosion) 4.5/5 One way to be a successful musician is to create music that goes against expectations. A good example of this is Toronto experimental band New Fries’ exquisite new album, Is the Idea of Us. By parting from our idea of what an album should be, […]