Rhythm, tempo great combo

Borderlines
Evil Eyes
7-out-of-10

Borderlines by lo-fi cosmic rockers, Evil Eyes, is an epic and haunting road tripping record. Made up of pop-esque melodies and garage rock tones, Borderlines is a large and satisfying listen.

The tracks are mellow and resonant with a wide sonic spread and ceaseless reverb. Tied together by the snappy syncopated drumming, tight and neatly composed guitar work, and backing synths, they all play well together and the album flows nicely. The lyrics also fit snuggly into the odd melodies and chording, following smoothly in counterpoint. The cleverly written lines are mostly sung in rich harmony. Huge and sweeping guitar parts are popular on this record, giving it a very interesting soundscape and dramatic composure.

The length of the album, the flowing notion of the tracks, and mid tempo jams make this a nice record for road trips. It's easily enjoyable rhythms lend themselves to being great background companions.

The full sounds and rich textures of Borderlines makes it an interesting and investing listen. There's much to take away from this one.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Don't Give Up The Ship
Shotgun Jazz Band
8-out-of-10

The latest release from one of my current favorite bands, Shotgun Jazz Band, brings more of the same loose, stomping, and rhythmic jazz inspired by the early days of the New Orleans jazz scene.

Don't Give Up The Ship picks up where One Drink Minimum left off. The ensemble once again dazzles with this lively recording, reviving the once popular style of jazz with bravado and real spirit. Traditional instruments, including the banjo, produce a jangly and rowdy set played with laid back spontaneity and a bootlegger's swagger. Don't Give Up The Ship mixes instrumental tracks as well as numbers sung with the beautiful and sultry voice of trumpeter, Marla Dixon.

The rich history behind this style of music really comes to life with this recording, putting the listener right on Bourbon Street. The vivid images it conjures, along with the vibrant colours of the music, are quite an experience. The Shotgun Jazz Band creates great music with a timeless appeal and this record is no exception.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU