Alt. Rock

Isaac Slade risks a return to the Fray

Entertainment / Music Band coming to Opera House needed readjustment and Muppet inspiration.    Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Sun Jan 15 2012 If you’re ever stuck in a creative rut to the point where there’s tension between your respective bandmates, you should follow The Fray‘s lead: record one of your favourite Muppets songs. Lead singer, pianist and songwriter Isaac Slade said that his Denver band’s contribution to the…


Review: Kings of Leon pull off sonic miracle

Review: Kings of Leon pull off sonic miracle | Toronto Star The Grammy-winning clan of Southern rockers take 15,000 fans in the Air Canada Centre for an intense musical ride. Nick Krewen Published on Wed Oct 12 2011   It’s all about momentum. It’s one thing to show up to a venue and play your repertoire note for note — perhaps even stretch it a little here and there with…


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….


“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People

“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People | Toronto Star L.A. group’s momentum from deathless single takes them to Sound Academy.    Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Sep 28 2011   With its bubbly melody, whistle-happy chorus and slightly funky dance beat, Foster The People’s Top 10 hit “Pumped Up Kicks” seemed the perfect candidate for 2011’s official breezy summer anthem. It wasn’t until…


Marnie Stern makes guitar her own

Marnie Stern makes guitar her own | Toronto Star Highly personal sound keeps it interesting for indie musician bound for Wrongbar.     New York guiatarist Marnie Stern tries to keep it interesting. Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Tue Sep 20 2011 Throughout the history of contemporary music, the domain of the lightning-fingered guitar hero has been inextricably defined by testosterone-driven DNA. But for every six-string trailblazer…