California

The Bronx are masters of the two-faced band

The punk rock band is one of few with an alter-ego: a sunny ensemble called Mariachi El Bronx. Nick Krewen, Music, Tues., Dec 27, 2016 Jekyll, meet Hyde. There’s nothing too sinister about Mariachi El Bronx, the alter ego of L.A. punk rockers The Bronx, but the duality of a band that pursues both identities with equal career-driven vigour is a rarity in this day and age. Where The Bronx…


Minor missteps don’t mar Brian Wilson’s staying power

Overall, the nostalgic, shimmering harmonies were adequately preserved, and sometimes exemplary, at Massey Hall concert. Nick Krewen  Tues., July 5, 2016 Brian Wilson   At Massey Hall, Monday, July 4 There were some good, and not so good, vibrations at Brian Wilson’s Massey Hall performance. Anchored around the 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds, the 1966 Beach Boys album that raised the bar for pop music with its stylistic intricacy, the…


Ariana Grande takes flight at the ACC: concert review

The young “Problem” singer proves she’s got longevity, with a surprisingly under-utilized voice and a large, smartly G-rated production. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Mon Mar 09 2015   Ariana Grande 3 stars At the Air Canada Centre, March 8 Merchandisers did brisk business on plastic glow-in-the-dark cat ears Sunday night at the Air Canada Centre. The significance? At least a couple thousand girls — the audience was probably 90…


Mötley Crüe shout at the devil one last time

The band’s All Bad Things Must End tour gave Toronto fans quite the send-off last night. Opener Alice Cooper gave a masterful performance, too. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Mon Aug 11 2014 Mötley Crüe/Alice Cooper Molson Canadian Amphitheatre Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014 3 stars If the All Bad Things Must End tour is truly the final hurrah for Hollywood heavy-metal mavens Mötley Crüe, then that was quite the send-off…


Katy Perry is pure spectacle at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre

California pop goddess Katy Perry literally used every shade and hue on the colour spectrum – and maybe even invented a hue or two – during a visually stunning two-hour spectacle that was actually better eye candy than ear candy. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sat Jul 19 2014 Now, that was colourful. California pop goddess Katy Perry literally used every shade and hue on the colour spectrum – and…