Before Broken Social Scene there was K.C. Accidental. The lo-fi bedroom recordings of Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin. Their hard to get EP’s are getting a proper reissue on Arts & Crafts in November.
Arts & Crafts
Canadian City Guides #1 // Dan Mangan’s Vancouver (BC)
As part of our partnership with the Canadian Blast & The Local present Canada festival on June 30th, we have caught up with some of the artists involved to find out what their home towns are like. First up..Dan Mangan on Vancouver…
Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
For their first record in 5 years, Broken Social Scene enlist John McEntire and make what is for them, a straight up rock record. Predictably it’s something of a triumphant mess…
The Hidden Cameras – St. Leonard’s Church, London 18/03/10
It’s not often that you attend an indie gig compered by a transvestite, but then again, it’s not often you encounter a band like The Hidden Cameras.
Hidden Cameras – Origin: Orphan
This fabulous fifth album from Joel Gibb’s Canadian troupe is chock-full of romance, sex, intelligence and humour. With rich, luscious songs and gorgeous songwriting, it is quite possibly their finest yet.
Bell Orchestre – As Seen Through Windows
This second album features post-rock from the classical end of the spectrum, from the Montreal instrumental band featuring several Arcade Fire members.
The Most Serene Republic – …And the Ever Expanding Universe
Adam Nelson reviews the third album from The Most Serene Republic – yet another band from the outstanding Canadian label Arts & Crafts. Will it be another classic? Or lumped in with that second Stills album that no-one ever talks about…?
[UK Video Exclusive] Gentleman Reg: ‘How We Exit’
‘How We Exit’ is a headlong rush of a pop song built on an elastic bouncing bass line and a righteous parping horn section. The video is built of still photographs, and features guest roles from Katie Sketch and Liz Powell.
Timber Timbre sign to Arts & Crafts
Toronto’s Timber Timbre gets a UK release July 28th after inking a Worldwide deal with Arts & Crafts.
Gentlemen Reg – Jet Black
By no means a classic, ‘Jet Black’ is still a solid and likeable effort that shows glints of real promise. Peter Bloxham reviews Reg Vermue’s debut for cult Canadian label Arts & Crafts.
Young Galaxy return, new album, tour and mp3!
Young Galaxy mark their much welcomed return and get their groove on. Shunning the shoegaze of their previous release for something a little more funkier. It’s good though, trust me. Listen inside.
Shearwater w/ Constantines – Bush Hall, London 16/09/08
Shearwater leave a crowd drop-jawed and transfixed by a stunning set to confirm their status as album of the year contenders.
Hidden Cameras – St Leonards Church, London 23/08/08
One may note the slight irony of an LGBT fundraiser taking place in a place of Christian worship, but after witnessing The Hidden Cameras’ revelatory show at St. Leonard’s Church, Shoreditch one couldn’t help be struck by how fitting a venue it was.
Los Campesinos! announce details of new record
Los Campesinos! went into the studio to make an EP, but came out with an album. Two albums in a year?!?
The Most Serene Republic – Population
When The Most Serene Republic became the first signing to Arts & Crafts that had no connection to the divine Broken Social Scene, much was expected of the young seven piece. ‘Population’ is the self-produced second album from them and even though they haven’t reached the quality of their illustrious labelmates, it is an album that will challenge you with every listen.
