Cross Dog is a noisy, experimental, bass-driven hardcore punk band from Peterborough, Ontario. Their new album (and first for Stomp Records), All Hard Feelings, was recorded at High Wattage Cottage, produced and engineered by Scott Middleton (ex-Cancer Bats), and features guest appearances by The Anti-Queens.
All Hard Feelings is as sonically relentless as it is thoughtful. It has its feet firmly planted in hardcore punk rock, but doesn’t shy away from varied influences of noise rock, heavy metal, and rock and roll. Aptly titled, the lyrics journey from the public to the personal, confronting the sociological, psychological, and emotional challenges that many of us face in this life, yet do so in a way that somehow feels simultaneously universal and deeply individual.
Vocalist Tracy A opens up about the focus track, “Enemy,” which was “written during a dark period, but as someone who is always irritatingly optimistic (evidently, even in the throes of depression), I am forever reminding myself that things will get better.
Anyone who has suffered from depression knows how hard it is to be in the liminal space of apathy — the compounding heartbreak of the things you love failing to bring you joy, and feeling powerless against it. Even on my worst days, there is something in me that simply loves being alive — a tiny little spark or reminder is sometimes all that we need to put one foot in front of the other until suddenly, we’re standing somewhere entirely different. Everything changes; and that includes the hard shit (or the hard feelings, as it were). This song is about finding the resolve to just stay alive, one minute at a time, until things inevitably change.”
Hailing from Vancouver, BC, The Out Seer was formed by guitarist/vocalist Ashley Pearce as a creative outlet among friends, including Amanda Chan, Davis Yates, Lachlan Tocher, and Aybars Savat. Rooted in a shared commitment to musical growth and exploration, The Out Seer‘s journey is marked by a dedication to creating feel-good alt rock music.
Their song, “Fading,” captures the essence of a faded friendship of someone who once held a significant place in our lives. Although the absence may initially sting, there’s a comforting realization that with the passage of time, the sharpness of pain diminishes. What remains is a bittersweet memory that eventually fades into the background, allowing us to find closure and move forward.
Sam Weber, the Los Angeles via Vancouver Island based singer-songwriter and guitarist is continuing to share glimpses of his soon-to-be released record, Clear + Plain (August 23rd), with the warm and observational “Oregon.”
Grounded by a strong bassline, Weber builds layers of vocals, lush percussion, and exploratory acoustic guitar into the track as it develops.
“‘Oregon’ was written on a trip to Ashland,” Weber explains.
We were renting a casita on this big property where all these hippies lived. It’s a bit of a sensory abstract poem that just sort of emerged.
I think the imagery is my own from the I-5 corridor, seeing the lush green flora, very pagan-beautiful, natural imagery of the state, contrasted with the scraps of humanity strewn around. And the progressive culture of Portland.”
Being in a band with family is not always easy; a relationship impacted by years of familiarity and family dynamics. The duo, aptly named Jackie and her brother, decided to work on several songs that remained unfinished and forgotten. The result is a new project from Jackie and Mark Andrade. The name, Jackie and her brother, is a simple way to describe their dynamic and their shared love for catchy, pop-inspired bands that they listened to across different decades as they grew up.
We often wonder, and reflect on our life. It’s a healthy part of being human. We’re also told to stay in the present and live for the future. This dichotomy pulses at the centre of their second single, “Best Days,” where Jackie and her brother turn the focus backward, wondering if our best days are already gone.
Melbourne singer-songwriter Rance Lazarus has just released his new single and music video ‘I Fell For You (Again)’. The video was exclusively premiered at the St Kilda Film Festival via Clipped TV.
Lazarus has also announced that he will be playing a single launch show at The Catfish (June 21) alongside Kaylah Thomas and Dear Matilda.
Rance Lazarus combines a fusion of Pop, Indie Rock, and Country, creating a genre-defying sound. Influenced by icons like John Mayer, The 1975, LANY and Ed Sheeran, Lazarus weaves heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies into his music.
His musical journey Is marked by significant achievements, including placing in the
Top 5 Songs of the Year for ‘Spend a Little Time With Me’ in the RSOM (Real Songwriters Of Melbourne) community—a testament to his songwriting prowess. Armed with his guitar and emotive vocals, Lazarus delivers performances that not only captivate but also forge genuine connections with the audience.
As Lazarus continues to evolve, his dedication to pushing musical boundaries sets him apart. With his unique blend of genres, Lazarus is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene, leaving a legacy for years to come. Over the past several years, Lazarus has released a slew of infectious singles and has become renowned for his mesmerizing live performances.
New single ‘I Fell For You (Again)’. The single is available on all major online stores and streaming services.
“Lazarus draws you in with an infectious melody that effortlessly weaves heartfelt lyrics, captivating rhythms, and unforgettable hooks”
Forte Magazine
RANCE LAZARUS | LAUNCH SHOW
June 21st – The Catfish, Melbourne, VIC
W/ Kaylah Thomas + Dear Matilda
Tickets available at www.iwannaticket.com.au | 18+ only
