Dance Electric

Origin:  Mississauga, Ontario
Genre:  Punk / Rock









When I hear the name Dance Electric a punk band does not come to mind, more like something poppy. But these guys are far from any first impressions you may have.

Now I'm not normally a punk fan, as you can probably tell by the bands I have posted thus far, but these guys stand out from the other punk bands I've listened to. They definitely play a punk style with frantic fast paced jams and some crazy hardcore vocals (aka screaming). But they also seem to have a rock undertone which gives their sound purpose and flow. It's not just random sounds and screams.

The first song you must listen to is "Us vs. Them". This song is just unbelievably amazing. You just have to hear it. After listening to it I started liking these guys. Their other songs are not as good by comparison but are still good songs in general. Also check out "Wall Street Dracula" and "Stigmata Baby".

http://www.myspace.com/danceelectric

Gang of Coyotes

Origin:  Mississauga, Ontario
Genre:  Alternative / Rock
Recent Release:  FRNDS








Gang of Coyotes is a band new to the scene and as I write they are just preparing to release their first album. It's hard for me to describe their style in words but I'll try my best. They have a more laid back style playing cool smooth vibes not overpowering intensity. They have a bit of punk influence but on a much more tame level. They play a softer style rock but nothing resembling poppy.

I could try to compare them to some other bands, but I don't want to butcher that. You're better off sampling their music to understand their style. Check out songs "Monsters (Side A)" and "Monsters (Side B)" and judge for yourself if this is a style to your liking.

http://www.myspace.com/gangofcoyotes
http://www.gangofcoyotes.co.nr/ 

Milanku

Origin:  Montreal, Quebec
Genre:  Metal / Instrumental / Hardcore







Milanku is another metal hardcore band hailing from Montreal. Montreal is another city, like Toronto, that has a very strong and talented indie scene. Milanku is just another example of this.

Milanku plays a similar style as Co-pilot, in that their songs are for the most part instrumental, i.e. void of vocals. They start off with a slow quiet pace and build and build to a heavier louder sound more typical to metal standards. This band is more hardcore than Co-pilot as their songs progress to more heavier thrashing sounds with some traditional metal screaming. Might be a little different at first, but they have produced some amazing songs that blend the best of both extremes.

Check out songs "Sournoisement" and "Masse Synchronisee". I never bothered to check what the titles mean, but who cares when its some kick-ass music.

http://www.myspace.com/milanku

Beautiful Nothing

Origin:  Toronto, Ontario
Genre:  Alternative / Rock
Recent Release:  The Fruits of Youth








Beautiful Nothing is a tough band to label. They mix some soft acoustic-like songs, with some punk inspired songs, with some harder more catchy rock songs. From looking at their myspace page and seeing them live I can tell that they take their music seriously, like any other band, but still want to have fun with it. That is why they are able to take their music to many different styles without things sounding chaotic. Random might be a good word to describe them, cause you never know what to expect from the next song.

As for songs, I recommend you start off with "Crazy Tiger" and "Music Sells T-shirts". These are two great rock hits with greats beats that make them easy to enjoy. Next check out "Living For Tomorrow" for a more poppy flavoured song which is still pretty good.

http://www.myspace.com/beautifulnothing

c0ndu1t

Origin:  Burlington, Ontario
Genre:  Industrial
Recent Release:  c0ndu1t














I would classify c0ndu1t under the same genre as NIN, combining electronica with rock/metal. Its electronic music with a very dark presence; none of that poppy crap. That pretty much describes the band so I'll move onto the songs.

C0ndu1t's remix of Protest the Hero's "Sequoia Throne" is their first song I heard and what really got me into liking them. This song is simply amazing. Its fast paced, got a techno'ish background beat, and a metal flare on top that's right in your face. For their own songs I would start out with "Unfortunate", "Part of the Show", "Pill" and move onto the rest from there.

http://www.myspace.com/c0ndu1t

Le Kraken

Origin:  Montreal, Quebec
Genre:  Metal / Hardcore
Recent Release:  Exalt













Angry, raw, loud, gritty, and French (or at least I think it's French)? These are 4 or 5 words I would use to describe Le Kraken. Here is another heavy metal band not for the faint at heart. They pull off some intense sounds and metal screaming. Now if it were possible to make out the words to whatever he was saying I would let you know if lyrics are French or English. My guess is both.

"Archipel" and "Palimpseste" are two of my favourite songs from the Exalt album. They are both powerful and dark but also bring a great beat that just makes you want to head bang. "Aparte" is a cool instrumental song acting almost like an intermission between the first and second half of the album. Check this song out if you're not into the heavier affair.

http://www.myspace.com/krakenrockmusic

Styrofoam Ones

Origin:  Toronto, Ontario
Genre:  Electronic / Rock








Styrofoam Ones are quite a bit different from the bands I posted so far. They have an electronica flavour, which one might say is more poppy kind of music, but I don't feel that is the case.

If you listen closely to their songs, you'll notice they use Death From Above 1979 as an inspiration. Listen to "Blues Lines" and you will notice a definite symmetry. That's why I like Styrofoam Ones because they give off a DFA 1979 vibe. Granted they are not nearly as powerful or high production as DFA 1979, but they distinguish themselves by playing cool smooth vibes.

"April Fools" and "Hid in the Walls" are two other songs that show the versatility of this band in the successful merger of the two genres.

http://www.myspace.com/styrofoamones

Mountains Unfold

Origin:  Quebec City, Quebec
Genre:  Metal / Hardcore / Instrumental
Recent Release:  The Furnace EP







We now move back to the East with Mountains Unfold from Quebec City. Mountains Unfold are very similar to Kosmograd in that they use a lot metal (tough to understand the lyrics) screaming but also have some softer instrumental portions. In fact, their sound is probably even more heavy and hardcore than Kosmograd. You decide what suits your tastes better. But if you're a metal head you will definitely like these guys.

Again if you are not into the heavy metal stuff you probably won't like Mountains Unfold. For everyone else check out the songs "Confine" and "Pantheon" which will give you an idea of the style of their music. Very dark but very polished and powerful.

http://www.myspace.com/mountainsunfold

Quartered

Origin:  Vancouver, British Columbia
Genre:  Rock / Metal
Recent Release:  Walks Like A Ghost EP




Here is a taste of the West Coast indie scene with Quartered. These guys are a heavier than a typical rock group, but not to the extent of a Slipknot for instance.

This is a cool band that shows some metal roots, for the more hardcore fans, but balances with a more tame rock flow. The end result is goodness to your ears combining heavy guitar riffs with rhythmic melodies.

Check out songs like "Brother" and "Africa" and you will notice the change in tempos from power chords to smooth tunes. To get a sample of Quartered's more hardcore side listen to "Eternity Below".

www.myspace.com/quartered

RIBS

Origin:  Boston, Massachusetts
Genre:  Rock / Alternative
Recent Release:  British Brains EP














RIBS sure is a strange name for a band, but don't let that fool you, these guys dish out some mean tunes. Recently, they released their first EP titled British Brains. British Brains is full of tunes that will send a chill down your spine or as some might say "rock your socks off".

First time I listened to RIBS I was an immediate fan. Songs like "Brains Out" and "Queen of Hearts" are powerful anthems that get you pumped up and excited. I can't find any fault with this EP and can't wait for a full length album of greatness from this band.

http://www.myspace.com/ribstheband

Kosmograd

Origin:  Toronto, Ontario
Genre:  Metal / Hardcore / Instrumental









Kosmograd is a wicked metal band. They bring a blend of traditional non-sensical metal screaming with powerful undertones and great guitar rhythms. If you are not a fan of screaming vocals then it may be hard to get into this group. But they introduce a good balance between the smooth rhythms and the raw vocals. Unlike some other metal bands they don't overload you with screeching and grunts.

Check out the song "The Owl" and you'll understand what I mean. The song starts out slow and instrumental and leads into metal vocals. Afterwards it cycles between instrumental and screaming portions. Each stage is a slow progression to building up of each song. Note that the posted songs are demos and so are bit rough around the edges.

So if you not a stranger to metal Kosmograd will be right up your alley. But if you are, I recommend you give them a chance and look past the screaming to hear the intricate beats they create.

Seriously not your typical metal band.

http://www.myspace.com/kosmograd

Co-Pilot

Origin:  Houston, Texas
Genre:  Rock / Instrumental / Experimental
Recent Release:  The Course of Empire


Yes, Co-pilot is American but don't hold that against them (or me). I label this group Instrumental/Experimental because their songs don't have any vocals but are purely raw instrumentation. Now this may turn off some people because it's not traditional rock music. But if you give it a listen you'll notice the tunes are smooth and catchy.

Their songs start out very soft and relaxing and slowly progress to a much louder heavier conclusion. Check out "Broken Shield" and you'll understand what I mean. It starts off with a whisper and slowly builds up until about the halfway mark where it really explodes. Not the kind of music you head-bang to, but something different that grows on you the more you listen to them. The transition between the two extremes is seamless. Listen intently to their melodies and you'll realize what a gem this band is and why they belong on this list.

http://www.myspace.com/copilot

Sights & Sounds

Origin:  Toronto, Ontario
Genre:  Rock / Alternative
Recent Release:  Monolith









This is where it all began. The first indie band that I really got into, that led me into the whole world of indie rock. To be fair this group is not really indie per se. They are signed with a label and have release a full production-level album, which I have to say is pretty kick-ass.

If I had to classify this Toronto band, I'd label them with a generic Rock/Alternative title. They have a mix of some heavy fast-paced songs which gets your adrenaline pumping like "Storm and the Sun" and "Sorrow" with more slow softer songs like "Borderlines". Both styles are good and the entire album is great. I can't wait for the next one.

Check them out at their myspace page where you can listen to their whole album. Cycle through the songs, I know you'll like them.

http://www.myspace.com/sightsandsounds