Alt. Rock

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…


Billy Talent Soar to New Heights

Story by Nick Krewen | September 1, 2016 For SOCAN Words and Music.   Billy Talent was ready. The album had been written, the songs had been rehearsed and the veteran hard rock Toronto quartet – 23 years and four original studio albums deep into their career – was preparing to hit the studio to record what was to become long player No. 5, Afraid of Heights. Then tragedy stuck….


Foo Fighters keep fans and moms on their feet: review

Dave Grohl makes the most of a leg injury, even playing guitar with his cast. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Jul 09 2015 Foo Fighters 3.5 stars July 8 at the Molson Amphitheatre. Dave Grohl isn’t going to let little things like a severely broken leg and ankle stop him from rocking the night away. Lesser musicians would have thrown in the towel and taken the requisite time to…


Elle King delivers music and comedy chops: concert review

In a magnetic performance, the soulful singer proved she is indeed the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Jun 04 2015 Elle King At the Drake Underground, June 3. The great aspect of seeing an act in concert is that albums sometimes only reveal so much. If you picked up Elle King’s Love Stuff, for instance — even if it’s only because you were impressed by…


Dan Mangan forges new frontiers with Blacksmith

The Juno-winning musician and songwriter rides a layered new album into Saturday’s Massey Hall show. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Wed Feb 25 2015 Dan Mangan is going deep. The 31-year-old eloquent, observant singer and songwriter has returned with a newly named band Blacksmith to introduce what’s arguably his finest album to date in Club Meds. The Smithers, B.C., native views the CD, his first since 2011’s Juno-winning Oh Fortune,…