Portico

By Mike Tofin

Vancouver’s Portico had a good idea for their newest LP First Neighbours: teaching hip Canadian history throughout their album to get better funding from the Canadian government. They also include slow drawn out melodies that incorporate the odd novelty instrument, with addictive, dissident chord structures. On the album’s third track “I Heard There’s Proof,” the… Continue reading Portico

Great Lake Swimmers

By Jennifer Trieu

A brand new gem of an album enters the ever-evolving world of Canadian folk music on Great Lake Swimmers’ latest work, Lost Channels. The Toronto-based band’s follow-up to 2007’s Ongiara showcases their consistent ability to create eclectic and creative sounds, successfully channeling beautiful images of Canadian landscapes and weaving earthy and poetic lyrics with emotive… Continue reading Great Lake Swimmers

Neko Case

By Ryan Pike

Vancouver’s Neko Case has had a long and varied career. Both on her own and as a secret member of the New Pornographers, Case has developed a dedicated following for her strong vocals and varied folk-inspired musicality. Case’s latest solo effort, Middle Cyclone, continues her string of solid albums. Opening with the energetic “The Tornado… Continue reading Neko Case

Cursive

By Jordyn Marcellus

Cursive’s seventh release, Mama, I’m Swollen, is no turgid album. From note one, the album is loaded with urgency as the ratatat-tat of the drums intermingles with jangling guitars forming soundscapes of loss and longing. Delicate flute and moaning saxophone accent “I Couldn’t Love You Anymore” as the band crescendos with vocalist Tim Kasher spitting… Continue reading Cursive

The members of Debra are one big happy family

By Jordyn Marcellus

Debra has a real rocking pad. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, chill out and enjoy a Bud. These proud punk-rockers, originally from Toronto, moved out west to make their fortunes– specifically, they came to Calgary looking for work. After living apart for a few years, the band moved in together… Continue reading The members of Debra are one big happy family

Wilde’s words hit Theatre Calgary

By Claire Fenton

Oscar Wilde may have a reputation for appealing to snotty academics, but Theatre Calgary is hoping to show there’s more to him than that. Packed with wit and loaded with thoughtful themes, An Ideal Husband showcases Wilde’s talents on stage. Actor Christopher Hunt believes it will make an impression. “When they think of Oscar Wilde,… Continue reading Wilde’s words hit Theatre Calgary

News for the unnewsed

By Morgan Haigler

UBC students successfully lobby for reduced fees The University of British Columbia Athletics and Recreation department and the Alma Mater Society announced recently that they would be significantly decreasing student fees for intramural and recreational activities. This comes after a strong rally by students to reduce the fees. The decrease was possible due to some… Continue reading News for the unnewsed