Bon Iver- Bon Iver (June 21st 2011)
-Intricate folk with experimental leanings
-Expanded sonic palette
-Atmospheric and emotionally resonant
-Grammy nominations for best album, best song (Holocene)
-Took woodsy solitary vibe of For Emma, added layered instrumentation and varied experimental textures
-Perth, Calgary, Michicant, Beth/Rest, Holocene
-Perth, Calgary, Michicant, Beth/Rest, Holocene
Miracle Fortress- Was I The Wave? (April 26th 2011)
-Heavy 80s influence
-Fantastic flow, every song works on it's own, as well as within the album and in the context of the others
-One-man band, Canadian talent
-Atmospheric/ cold-detached but with warmth and personality
-Creates something new and compelling with dated sound- through the lens of now/2000s
-Spectre, Raw Spectacle, Imminent Domain
We Were Promised Jetpacks- In The Pit of The Stomach (October 4th 2011)
-Scotland-based band
-Very textural in-your-face sound, brash
-Emotionally-direct, high energy
-Great amalgamation of indie & alternative, fresh spin
-Down-to-earth and intelligent without loosing spirit of youth
-"Winter" atmosphere
-Circles & Squares, Act On Impulse, Picture of Health
Favourite song of the year-- "Somebody That I Used To Know" By Gotye
From the album: Making Mirrors
Incredibly catchy, without adhering to current pop conventions. Heavily influenced by world-beat/80s artists such as Peter Gabriel, Genesis, The Police… Great duet performance by Kimbra. Powerful vocals and inventive arrangement.
