Alt. Rock

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…


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…


The Kills comes to life after breaking their brain

The Kills come to life after breaking their brain | Toronto Star Time with Jack White shook up rockers coming to Kool Haus on Feb. 7.     Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Feb 03 2012 London-based garage rock duo The Kills has often been described as marching to the beat of its own drummer. However, when American Alison “VV” Mosshart and Brit Jamie “Hotel” Hince…


Foxy Shazam seeks soul, spectacle

Entertainment / Music Dynamic live rock band bound to entertain at Phoenix show opening for the Darkness.  By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Jan 27 2012 “The first time I saw the piano player, he had a pinata on his head, so I knew he was open-minded.” That may be all the explanation you need to see Foxy Shazam, the shock rock sextet that hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, when it…