Synthesizer

Kid Koala draws upon the winter for new album

Icelandic vocalist completes wintry vibe on Montréal DJ’s ambient new album, which spurs creative Rivoli shows this week. Nick Krewen Music, Jan. 26, 2017 Eric San, a.k.a. Kid Koala, is a seasonal guy. For example, the Montréal-based DJ, musician, turntablist and graphic novelist says that he sees music to draw to: satellite, his new ambient Arts & Crafts album featuring Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini, as a “winter” record. San, who is…


Austra steps into a perceived troubling feature with new album, tour

Loneliness and political readings of band’s founder create album, Future Politics, that fits into ‘true political uncertainty’ of times. Band plays Jan. 20 at the Mod Club. Nick Krewen Music, Jan. 19, 2017 The moment that Toronto electro band Austra completed its world tour to support its sophomore album, Olympia, its lead singer and songwriter Katie Stelmanis hit the books and began a voracious reading cycle. “I had felt that…


Hometown superstars Rush put on a show for the ages

If this really is Toronto superstar trio Rush’s last hurrah, then Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart are going out on the right note Nick Krewen Music, June 18, 2015 What a legacy. If this indeed is hometown superstar rock trio Rush’s last hurrah in terms of big, extravagant world tours — as its members have hinted in numerous interviews — then this was the note to go out…


Liner notes: FM, Black Noise

FM – Black Noise   Oh, the endless possibilities that can be stoked by science fiction. It’s a realm where imaginations are stimulated, emancipated, and allowed to run wild; where boundaries are stretched and eliminated, and where the inconceivable can become an accomplished reality. It’s a topic that is so entrenched and valued in our society that sci-fi has gifted us with some of our most beloved cultural milestones, be…


Kraftwerk delights the faithful at Sony Centre

If this is Kraftwerk’s final live hurrah in Toronto, they’ve left on a triumphant note. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sun Mar 30 2014   2.5 stars Kraftwerk doesn’t do hugs. A female fan rushed the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts stage shortly after the four members of Düsseldorf-based techno pop pioneers Kraftwerk had finished their encore and were taking their final bows. She made a beeline for…