Canada

Cancer Bats Take Flight

Story by Nick Krewen | March 16, 2012 For SOCAN Words And Music Eight years into its existence, the fermentation process of Toronto hardcore heroes Cancer Bats may finally be complete. At least that’s the opinion of lead singer/shouter/screamer Liam Cormier, who says the comfort level between himself and guitarist Scott Middleton, drummer Mike Peters and bassist Jaye Schwarzer has never been better.   If you need more proof, turn…


Grimes dances out of Montréal

Entertainment / Music Musician’s tour of acclaimed album, including March 19 stop in Toronto, an opportunity to be homeless.     Claire Boucher is on the road as Grimes. Nick Krewen Special to the Star,  Published on Fri Mar 16 2012 After living in Montréal for five years, Claire Boucher is living the life of a gypsy. “I’m homeless,” says the Vancouver-born Boucher, 23, known professionally as Grimes, from a tour stop in…


Gleeful? Young The Giant just grateful

Entertainment / Music Alt-rock band that’s sold out Sound Academy got behind song’s use against bullying.     Young the Giant’s road schedule sees them return to Toronto in July for Edgefest. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Feb 29 2012 A week ago, Young the Giant had its Glee moment. In one of the better-written episodes of this uneven season, the show’s sensitive theme dealt with the consequences of homophobic…


Simple Plan shallow next to Marianas Trench

Entertainment / Music Previous act on Air Canada Centre bill shows headliner how it’s done.   Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Mon Feb 20 2012 The boys of Simple Plan certainly had their work cut out for them.   Headlining a four-band bill, the five-piece Montreal punk-pop band faced the unenviable task of closing for Vancouver’s Marianas Trench, who had just finished mopping up the Air Canada Centre general…


Marianas Trench grows ever broader

Entertainment / Music Vancouver band opening for Simple Plan has a nonstop creative engine in Josh Ramsay.   Marianas Trench: Josh Ramsay, right, keeps busy. Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Fri Feb 17 2012 Look up the word “ambitious” in the dictionary, and you might just see Josh Ramsay’s picture staring up at you. There seems to be no shortage of drive in the young Vancouverite, whether it concerns…