In preparation for Billy Talent’s show at the Bell Centre next Wednesday and my recent neglecting of posting new bands, I’m going to talk about Billy T along with the handful of Canadian bands supporting them. The lineup is Cancer Bats, Alexisonfire and Against Me! (who I’ve already recommended). These bands are all very punk so if that’s not your thing beware but keep in mind a little punk never hurt anyone.
Cancer Bats - This Torontonian hardcore-punk band takes a bit of getting used to- I understand how this could offensive to the ears if you don’t have a high tolerance for screaming. Their music is generally very aggressive and great for getting pumped up (punching babies and all that junk). My favorite album of theirs is Hail destroyer, which features collaborations with Tim from Rise Against (a great punk band, I’ll do a post about them one of these days), Wade from Alexisonfire, and Ben from Billy Talent. The coolest part of this is that they’ll probably play these songs together at the show. On their new album Bears, Mayors, Scrapes and Bones they do a cover of the Beastie Boys’ hit “Sabotage”. The music video for this cover is nothing short of hilarious as the band members run around chasing people who vaguely resemble the Beasties.
Hail Destroyer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2j-xR_wSAQ
Sabotage- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrlPuveLAAw
Smiling Politely (With Ben from Billy Talent) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F8A8dWfoc0&feature=PlayList&p=E6FD1EF0994A295C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=7
Alexisonfire - Also from Ontario, Alexisonfire is often described as screamo but I hate that term so let’s call them post-hardcore. Unlike Cancer Bats, Alexisonfire actually has a singer who can carry a tune in addition to a screamer. I believe Alexisonfire has found a healthy balance between clean and dirty vocals (and i’m not talking subject matter, it’s all pretty tame in that respect). “This Could Be Anywhere in the World”, off of their 2006 release “Crisis” is their most popular song, and rightfully so. Most of their stuff is good but there are a few tracks on “Crisis” along with their newest release “Old Crows/Young Cardinals” that really stand out. ”Young Cardinals” was the first single off the new album and really showcases the band’s contrast going from intensely shouted verses to beautifully sung choruses. ”The Northern” is their newest single and shows the softer side of the band (although don’t expect a ballad, folks). Personally, I really like “Sons of Privilege” but nobody else seems to so I have to convince myself that it’s not a good song
This Could Be Anywhere in the World - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Ivt-ikYIk
Young Cardinals - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JNO5nJ0L0U
The Northern - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDZO5KihUbc
Sons of Privilege - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TWxFYRu3Fc
Against Me! - Been there, done that. Just go back a few posts you lazy twats (Canada’s a British colony, isn’t it?).
Billy Talent - Some more Ontario punks for you. Billy Talent has a very recognizable due to the lead singer Ben’s high pitched shrieks that riddle the tracks of the band’s 3 albums. They name their releases a la Led Zeppelin- Billy Talent was followed by Billy Talent II and after much speculation about the name, Billy Talent III was released last year. I used to really love this band, they’re very simple musically (although they have some cool harmonies) and seem to appeal to younger teen listeners. I’m going to see them mostly for old time’s sake, they were one of the first bands I really got into. Anyways, some of their stuff is pretty cool. Billy Talent is one of those band where if you like a few songs, you’ll probably enjoy them all. I don’t want to bore you any more so just listen to some of my favorites.
Devil in a Midnight Mass - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULSODQOMza8
Saint Veronika - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSRrUDVm4Dg&feature=fvw
River Below - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW3jyZRDlII
Red Flag- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VhJWH2eDUA
Fallen Leaves- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmOBKgcjZlg
