Synth pop

Oh Wonder catching breaks with catchy tunes

The duo behind Oh Wonder — playing the Danforth Music Hall for three nights — are quick to say they’ve been lucky. Nick Krewen Music, Sun., Sept. 17, 2017   What’s that old saying? One makes plans and God laughs? Not that there are any religious connotations surrounding the generally low-key, dual-vocal pop created by London-based electronic pop duo Oh Wonder, but record deals and world tours weren’t something that…

Read More

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…


NXNE: Majical Cloudz in pursuit of the perfect song

Majical Cloudz bring brooding sound to NXNE for Saturday gig at the BLK BOX By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri Jun 14 2013     Sparse has rarely sounded so satiating. Of the numerous adjectives used to describe the brooding, intense music on Majical Cloudz’ new full-length platter Impersonator, its relative lack of instrumentation and arrangement has drawn the most attention when garnering praise from music critic circles. CBC…


Owl City stay’s wired to what’s current

Adam Young, playing Toronto on Sept. 15, built his career, and his new hit with Carly Rae Jepsen, online. Adam Young of Owl City says his collaboration “Good Time” with Carly Rae Jepsen was done without them meeting. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Fri Sep 14 2012   Remember MySpace? It was only a few years ago that the Beverly Hills-based social media site was the…


Red Bull knocks down doors for AWOLNation

Entertainment / Music Aaron Bruno and his band come to Sound Academy after rescue from career limbo.     Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Tue Oct 04 2011 Red Bull gave him wings. AWOLNation principal Aaron Bruno admits he was at the end of his professional tether when Red Bull Records — a subsidiary of the Austrian manufacturer that markets the popular high-energy drink — threw him a lifeline….