This record took me by complete surprise! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this. Wasn’t what, you ask? Well Radio Free Universe are bluesy, heavy on the guitar riffs, and packed with forceful, driving drum beats.

The Rest is a band from the Hamilton, Ontario area that plays indie and alternative rock. Since forming, they have certainly been through their share of trials and tribulations. For instance, they started writing their latest record under some very difficult circumstances when their friend, and producer of their first two albums, died of a heart attack while playing hockey. The band decided to honour him by recording at his studio in the same manner they would have if he were there with them.

An intense set was played by Sleigh Bells on the third night of Bluesfest. It didn’t take long for their beats to get the crowd singing and dancing. Amazing energy, incredible performance.

Supporting the release of their highly anticipated 4th album, and possibly warming up for headlining the huge UpRoar festival, Shinedown came to Toronto’s Kool Haus July 10th, to show their fans that they are back!

Fans of alternative rock in Toronto were fortunate enough to have the up and coming English band Band of Skulls roll through town recently for a packed show. The group released their sophomore album Sweet Sour earlier this year which has scored them a major hit with the album’s title track. As a special contributor to PureGrainAudio, our friend Julie was fortunate enough to speak with Band of Skulls bassist and singer Emma Richardson on the day of the Toronto show. The girls discussed various music related issues, including song writing, making the band’s very memorable videos, Emma’s beautiful artwork, life on the road and even a little bit about poutine. Emma was as personable of a musician as you will ever meet, as well as beautiful and amazingly talented.

On May 30, Thrice’s “The Farewell Tour” stopped by Toronto where the band would play for the final time. I was lucky to catch this show; I’ve never seen Thrice live before and this would literally be my last chance. Unfortunately openers Animals as Leaders were unable to make the concert, leaving O’Brother to play a double set. This set back included, that night the Kool Haus venue seemed to be filled with a bittersweet atmosphere – entire room was filled with Thrice fans excited to watch one of their favorite bands live, the same fans who were sad this would be the last time the group graced the stage.

On Tuesday April 3rd, 2012, Toronto’s own Our Lady Peace played a very special club show at the Phoenix Concert Theatre to celebrate the release of the band’s eighth studio album on the very same day. The band had been at work on Curve for over two years and it has been called OLP’s most experimental work since their 2000 release Spiritual Machines. In the afternoon before the April 3rd show at the Phoenix, PureGrainAudio’s own Aaron Willschick spoke to the band’s bassist Duncan Coutts to learn a little more about Curve and how the band felt about being on a club tour after so many years of arena shows. The interview was filmed by PGA’s videographer extraordinaire Mike Gionet.

Recently Converge came to Toronto and brought one of the very best hardcore bands in existence with, Loma Prieta. After their opening set at the Mod Club, Loma Prieta played an after party show at local DIY venue The Soybomb. Loma were the secret special guest headliners playing with several amazing local Toronto hardcore bands. As jaw dropping as it was to see Loma Prieta up on a bigger stage there just isn’t really anything like seeing them in a smaller and more casual space. The experience seems so much more powerful and exciting than in a large venue.

It’s safe to say that Brighter Brightest delivers a killer set every time they come to Ottawa, and this last time was no exception. Performing alongside Ten Second Epic, Brighter Brightest really set the bar for the night with an amazing set full of songs that got the crowd singing and excited. Not only that, but we also all got to enjoy a solo acoustic set by Brighter Brightest’s own Derek Hoffman, which was a rare but real treat. Incredible night!

The album is supposed to be a musical examination of universal human pathos in all its forms – brightness and love, but also detachment and heartbreak.

Edmonton’s own Ten Second Epic headlined a killer show in Canada’s Capital on March 28th, 2012. It was their first time back in Ottawa in a very long time, and as such they treated their fans with an extra long set (AND returned for an encore!), performing various songs from all of their albums throughout! Ottawa had not forgotten about TSE, and it was clear that TSE had not forgotten about Ottawa! Amazing set to say the least.

On Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 Megadeth rolled through Oshawa, Ontario performing at The GM Centre. They were headlining their fourth North American Gigantour with Motörhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil as openers. Our heavy metaller Chee Kam sat down with bassist Dave Ellefson to discuss their new album Th1rte3n, working with monkeys, religion and much more. Video interview filmed by Mike Gionet of Vids4Net.

With their third full-length effort, Grievances, due for release on March 6th, Toronto rockers The Junction are showing fans some love visa-vie this free download of their new song, “Waves”.

Hunter City Madness killed in Brockville at the end of November. They played an insane set, and as a special treat for the audience, were even joined by Today I Caught The Plague’s vocalist Dave Journeaux for a song. Amazing performance from all members! Images snagged on a Nikon D90, 14-24mm f/2.8.