The Simcoe Scene

Just one 'ting' and you're pulled into chaos.  That is what awaits listeners as soon as they start the debut EP from Toronto's Evil Villain . One 'ting' then the blast beats and double kicks of opening track Tumer'd  start their assault without any mercy or regard for the listener's well-being. Building on the band's first release, a demo version of The Cycle , Evil Villain has not only layered and bulked up their sound - but have taken the time to craft an intricate and defined sound that doesn't take away from the raw and unencumbered rage the lyrics instill. Lyrically, Evil Villain does not hold back and takes the listener to the darkest recesses of decency. Addressing feelings of hatred we might feel for ourselves looking in the mirror, to the rage towards a society that seems content in its own crumbling, to the sadistic actions humans can perpetrate against one another - the band doesn't shy away from any of it.  It can be easy to fall ...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#53 - Sept 23, 2023).  The word “Doom” conjures very vivid feelings of foreboding. For such a small word, it carries tremendous weight and cannot be easily described. So what is the sound of Doom? Thankfully, the world at large (and our hometown) have musicians who can transpose ineffable subjects like Doom and make melodies from mayhem.  One artist who has confidently stepped into the realm of the doom genre is Casey C. A well known entity in our local music scene as a musician and co-proprietor of punk and hardcore offerings, Casey has adopted the moniker Nova Doll for her latest project.  Denaturing , the debut album under the Nova Doll name, is due out September 29 but I had the opportunity to ask Casey a few questions about the project and the process before the album drops.     Richard: Where did the name Nova Doll come from and what imagery or feelings do you want people to...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#50 - Aug 13, 2023). Like a pulse, music changes its beat based on what is being faced head-on in the moment in a uniquely visceral and genuine way. Music created in earnest, from a place of honesty, rings true in the ears of listeners who share a song’s feeling but perhaps aren’t able to vocalize it. But as everyone knows, change can be difficult and some feelings are even more difficult to describe.  A band that is using their gifts and skills of creating music who are embracing that change, following their pulses, and navigating into darker waters is Playfight. Playfight started as a collaboration between John Saffrey (guitarist, writer, producer) and Stewart Drake (vocalist, lyricist, graphic designer) who met through an online pop punk group and quickly began sharing ideas remotely during the pandemic. The band emerged in 2021 with catchy lyrics, riff-heavy arrangements, and upbeat songs that harkened bac...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#41 - Aug 9, 2023). All the gear, promotion, and studio time means absolutely nothing without authenticity. A flash in the pan is no small feat but to bring the heat consistently and relentlessly, that is the sign of genuine artistry.  The sheer amount of carbon-copy musical acts can be stifling but the freshest breath of air comes in the form of the all-female band The Anti-Queens. The Anti-Queens quickly and rightfully gained the reputation of being one of Toronto’s most exciting live acts over the last decade. Their incomparable work ethic and their blend of fury and fun has taken them across North America and Europe to share their genuinity with thousands of concert-goers. From hometown bars to international festivals, The Anti-Queens deliver…Every. Single. Time. Before they hit Barrie later this month, I had the opportunity to ask lead guitar and Vocalist Valerie Knox a few questions.   Richard:...