Results for "Alastair Starke"

By Alastair Starke

I promised myself I wouldn’t call this album quirky. That is, beyond a doubt, how most people would describe Québécois artist Carole Facal, who performs under the stage name Caracol. She left her home in Sherbrooke, Quebec for snowboarding on the slopes of British Columbia. Somewhere along the way she picked up a guitar, and… Continue reading Spun: Caracol

By Alastair Starke

Batten down the hatches — Twin Atlantic have put out their third studio album. The Glaswegian pop-punk band has been touring together since 2007, and this is their third album release since 2009. Prolific, powerful, and incredibly inventive, this four-piece rock outfit just released Free. The band follows the path to punk-rock success — powerful… Continue reading Spun: Twin Atlantic

By Alastair Starke

Steve Gates is a singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia and A Bee in Her Mouth is his debut full-length album. It was recorded in a makeshift studio in an apartment with the help of his friends in the East Coast arts community. With roots like that, it’s hard not to develop warm feelings for this… Continue reading Spun: Steve Gates

By Alastair Starke

Kevin Hearn is the keyboardist for the Barenaked Ladies. Although he is best known for his work with the Canadian alt-rockers, Hearn has worked on an extensive list of side projects, including Thin Buckle, the Cousins and the Rheostatics. Cloud Maintenance, however, is only his second solo album.Before I go any further, I’d like to… Continue reading Spun: Kevin Hearn

By Alastair Starke

When she was 18 years old, Markéta Irglová won an Oscar for composing the theme of the movie Once. She continued to perform with a co-star from the film as part of a group called The Swell Season. Now 23, Markéta Irglová has released her first solo album, Anar.Irglová’s music is beautiful. She provides the… Continue reading Spun:Markéta Irglová

By Alastair Starke

Radio For Help is a pop-rock group from Edmonton, Alberta. The band is quite successful in their hometown, and have been performing together since 2006. Make Today, their third album, is put together remarkably well — but it left me incredibly disappointed.With Make Today, Radio For Help follows the tried-and-tested five-part formula to pop-music success:… Continue reading Spun: Radio For Help

By Alastair Starke

Written on the inside of this album’s jacket is this: “If we’ve ever slept in your bed, floated down your river, renovated your home, rode your bike, or eaten the food you grow, this is for you.” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect after an introduction like that. The Crooked Brothers aren’t actually related… Continue reading Spun:The Crooked Brothers

By Alastair Starke

Zenith Myth is the self-titled progressive rock debut of Los Angeles-based artist Mike Edwards. In addition to writing and producing the album, Edwards claims a multitude of instrumental credits, including bass, guitar, piano, screams and iPhone noises. This album displays the work and talents of several other artists– Paul D’Amour of Tool; Melissa Auf der… Continue reading Spun: Zenith Myth