Rockstar Reviewer

Photo Credit: Remi Thebault Edited by Anselm Anderson Toronto-based indie folk-rock outfit Octoberman  returns with Chutes, their seventh full-length album, due later this year on Ishmalia Records The band has marked the news with the release of its advance single and video, “Harry Nilsson,” out Today. The track draws inspiration from the late singer’s iconic take on “Without You.” “I had recently lost my mother, so I was hyper-aware of mortality and how things can turn on a dime, ” says songwriter Marc Morrissette. “ Losing an ever-present person in your life makes you more afraid of it happening again, especially as a father and husband. In the end, it’s like losing a part of yourself that never comes back.” The band's brand of jangly pop and daydreaming soundscapes is on display in the single’s video, which pairs the song’s airy, powder-soft tones with faux vintage footage from filmmaker and extreme skier Nick Steers . “I remembered a conversation with Nick about th...

Words by Anselm Anderson London-based Indie rock act Plastic Barricades is set to release their third studio effort We Stayed Indoors, today (Thursday, November 30th) via Plastic Tribe Records. The album provides a fascinating insight into the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown from a few years ago. "We Stayed Indoors" takes a complex and quirky approach to loneliness, hope, courage, living in the moment, regrets, hopes and perception. It was a telling time for many of us and this ten-track LP perfectly captures the moments in 45 minutes. The album title is inspired by the 2001 track "We Laugh Indoors" by the band's idols Death Cab For Cutie. I reviewed a couple of singles earlier this year ( "Counting Fireworks", and "Lucid in the Fall") and was instantly taken by the blend of melodic vocals, imaginative lyrics and the overwhelming acoustics and electronics on display. So, I was excited to receive this via my Inbox. The band's brand of in...

Words by Anselm Anderson English singer/songwriter/guitarist Guy North is due to release his much-anticipated debut release Retreat  today (August 30th). The musician North, who originates from Wakefield in Northern England, incorporates a mix of blues and country music in his sound. He draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including blues legend John Lee Hooke r and folk singer Cat Stevens.  Retreat, an album featuring several tracks from North's "One Song a Week" video blog, showcases his talent for acoustic instrumentation and poetic lyricism. North is also a member of The Thomas Wilby Band.  Throughout the album's 10 tracks, North weaves together beautiful and uplifting melodies. The alt-country ballad "A Night Out" sets the tone with its simple strumming and powerful vocals. This leads to the feel-good anthem "I Have a Friend," which features a catchy chorus and pop influences. This track is sure to resonate with listeners and evok...