Cuff The Duke cover Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs"

Toronto roots-rock mainstays Cuff The Duke are getting set for the US release of their latest album Morning Comes on February 28th (it's been out in Canada for several months).

Not really related, but a treat anyway, is the band's cover of The Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs".  Listen to it here:
Cuff The Duke 'The Suburbs' (Arcade Fire cover) by Paper Bag Records

Memoryhouse set to release debut full length

Guelph's Memoryhouse have made leaps and bounds over the last year or so.  Everything will culminate in the release of their debut album The Slideshow Effect early in the new year.

The record, from the duo of Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion, has been slated for a February 28th release on one of the majorest of indie labels Sub Pop.

Of course I will bring you more details (including tour dates) when I get them.

Sally Seltmann, Sarah Blasko, Holly Throsby to release album as Seeker Lover Keeper

I hesitate to label Seeker Lover Keeper as a 'super-group', but that may be the best way to describe the Australian trio.  The group, comprised of singers Sarah Blasko, Holly Throsby, and Sally Seltmann (co-writer of the Feist smash "1234"), have all had successful solo careers.

The group will release it's debut self-titled album on North American shores January 17th.

The songs are rife with haunting harmonies, using minimal arrangements to create a warm and intimate sound.

CONTEST: Win passes to see NEeMA @ The Drake

Montreal singer/songwriter NEeMA has had a lot of success with her sophomore album Watching You Think, touring many of Europe's big festivals.  Now she's returned home to continue to promote the record, co-produced by Leonard Cohen and Pierre Marchand (Rufus Wainwright, Sarah McLachlan), in a far more intimate setting.

I've got a pair of passes to give away to NEeMA's show December 4th at The Drake in Toronto.  Win them by hitting me up one of these ways:
Email
Twitter
Facebook

Carlo Meriano: release show Dec 4th @ The Painted Lady

I'm not terribly familiar with the work of Toronto folk-pop musician Carlo Meriano, but from what I do know has certainly piqued my interest.  Anyone who counts both The Magnetic Fields and Johnny Cash among his influences will no doubt have a unique take on music.

Meriano launches his new 9-song album, Sticka Ikebana this week with a release show at The Painted Lady in Toronto on December 4th.

It should be a glockenspiel and ukulele party.

Rich Aucoin: "We're All Dying To Live" (album review)

I've avoided it for as long as I could, but I finally have no more excuses for not reviewing We're All Dying To Live, the debut full length album from Halifax's Rich Aucoin.  The reason I've been dodging it is that it is truly daunting to tackle an album as ambitious as this one (ambitious is the word critics have been using, and I can't think of a more appropriate one).

The album took Aucoin years to complete.  That's because he solicited contributions from 500 musicians to include on this record.  Sure, a trio of choirs account for a good chunk of that number, but even 300 separate musicians is an incredible headcount.  Members of Sloan, The Arcade Fire, and Cuff The Duke were among those who pitched in.

Weakerthans' John K Samson to release solo album "Provincial"

It won't be long before we get to hear the distinctive vocals of The Weakerthans' frontman John K. Samson again.  On January 24th Samson will release his debut full length solo album Provincial.

The album is themed around the highways and byways of his home province of Manitoba.

Watch the video teaser for the album here:

Sharon Van Etten: "Serpents" (MP3)

NYC singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten releases her highly-anticipated third album Tramp on February 7th.  She's released the cover art and first single from that record now.

Listen to the track "Serpents" now.

Pitching in on the album were The National’s Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner, The Walkmen’s Matt Barrick, Doveman’s Thomas Bartlett, and Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak.

I can't wait to hear this one.

Sharon Van Etten plays Lee's Palace in Toronto on February 21st with Shearwater.

Hands & Teeth announce debut full length "Hunting Season"

Toronto indie pop/rock/experimental band Hands & Teeth have made quite a buzz based on their first EP and live shows.  On January 17th they come back with their debut full length album Hunting Season.

This is an early entry in the list of most anticipated Canadian albums of 2012 in my estimation.  It will be interesting to hear how they sustain the hype.

Expect a review from me in the coming weeks.

CONTEST: DOLL win the new CD and to the Dec 1st show

If you're into raw power in your music, then you will probably be very interested in Ottawa punk/hard rock band Doll.  The female fronted outfit recently released their new record The Ragdoll Diaries.

The band pull into Toronto to play The Garrison on December 1st with Skullians and Sista Fista.

Courtesy of the band, I've got a pair of passes for the show and a copy of their CD to give away.  To win, hit me up one of these ways:
Email
Twitter
Facebook

Check out there video for "FMO" here:

Paul Weller to release "Sonik Kicks" album (video)

The Modfather is set to return.  Paul Weller's been keeping himself busy with plenty of new material coming out over the past few years.

On March 26th he releases his new studio album, Sonik Kicks, in the UK.  I'm going out on a limb to assume that means March 27th here in North America.  It's the eleventh solo album for the former The Jam/Style Council leader.

The record will feature appearances by Noel Gallagher and Blur's Graham Coxon.

The video for the amped-up firth single, "Around The Lake", is out now.  Watch it here:

New releases for Nov 29th: Lost Lovers Brigade, Shawn Clarke

New music season is officially SLOW.  Here's what's on tap for this week:

• Brand New (reissue)
• Cage
• Shawn Clarke
• Flosstradamus
• Hot Chelle Rae
• Lost Lovers Brigade
• The Steve Adamyk Band
• Trey Songz
• Doug Tielli

Okkervil River give away covers EP "Golden Opportunities 2"

The good folks in Okkervil River are giving fans an early holiday present.  The band are giving away a new mixtape via their website.

The EP, Golden Opportunities 2, is the second time they've done this.  On this edition they perform covers of songs by lesser-known musicians.

Here's the track list:

• It is So Nice to Get Stoned (by Ted Lucas)
• U.F.O. (by Jim Sullivan)
• One Soul Less On Your Fiery List (by David McComb)
• Plan D (by Bill Fay)
• Dry Bones (American Traditional)

Justin Levinson & The Valcours: "This Side of Me, This Side of You" (mini-review)

There is little doubt that Burlington, VT's Justin Levinson can write a great song.  One listen through his new album, This Side of Me, This Side of You, with The Valcours, proves this.

Levinson cobbles together a compelling and highly enjoyable combination of pop, rock, and roots music.  The arrangements are reliably organic with big fat hooks galore.  The male/female vocal back-and-forth on "You Became a Ghost" being a shining example.

The best part of any Levinson album, though, is his lyrics.  That's no different here as he entertains with tales of love and it's backlash, particularly on the Ben Kweller-esque "Bar Scene" and the Ben Folds-like "I'll Be Ok".

Verdict: Buy It

This week's entertainment picks: Austra, Feist

New albums may have slowed to a trickle at this time of year, but there are still plenty of great live performances coming to Toronto.  Here are my choices for the week:

Austra w. Young Galaxy and Tasseomancy, The Phoenix, Dec 1
Few bands have made the kind of buzz Toronto indie dance rock outfit Austra has this year.  Add the always solid Young Galaxy and Tasseomancy (formerly Ghost Bees) and you have the makings of a great night out.

Feist, Massey Hall, Dec 1
I've seen Feist in this venue before and it is a wonderful experience.  The question is: why did it take her so long to get here?

...also this week:

Florence + The Machine cover Drake's "Take Care"

We all acknowledge that Florence + The Machine are great.  Their sophomore album Ceremonials (review) confirmed that.

If you needed anything to further solidify that fact in your mind, watch this recent performance of our hometown Drake's "Take Care" from the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

Check it out here:

Toronto concerts announced this week: Neil Diamond, Smith Westerns

Here's a list of the concerts announced for Toronto this week:

• Q107 Jingle Ball f. Big Sugar, Dec 10
• Paper Lions, El Mocambo, Dec 10
• Chris Garneau, Bathurst St Theatre, Dec 27
• Smith Westerns, Horseshoe Tavern, Jan 27
• Collie Buddz, Sound Academy, Jan 29
• Charles Bradley, Lee's Palace, Feb 11
• Grimes, Horseshoe Tavern, Mar 19
• Neil Diamond, Air Canada Centre, Jun 26

Playlist of the week: Names within names

While listening to the new Elliott Brood album the other day I was struck by the phenomenon of bands who put proper names within their band name.  So I thought I'd do a playlist of some examples.

Enjoy songs from Ned's Atomic Dustbin, James, The Darcys, Eric's Trip and more.

Have a listen here.

Shawn Clarke to release "Stray Birds" EP

One of my favorite local musicians, Shawn Clarke, will be releasing his new EP next week.  Stray Birds (I wonder if they're also angry) officially goes on sale December 2nd.

It's sure to be another collection of clever, fun folk songs.

Check out the track "In Transit" here:


Here's the track list for the record:

• Corners of Your Mouth (intro)
• In Transit
• Cold Wind
• Eggshells
• Corners of Your Mouth

Shawn Clarke will be the musical guest at Sunday Night Live at Comedy Bar in Toronto this Sunday.

Graydon James & the Young Novelists: "Live At Dublin St Church"

Local folk/roots outfit Graydon James & the Young Novelists released a new album earlier this week.  The album, Live At Dublin St Church, was recorded earlier this year, well, live at Dublin St Church in Guelph, ON.

Listen to the track "What Kind Of Man" here:


The record also features an appearance by talented Toronto multi-instrumentalist Anna Atkinson.

The group are getting ready to record a full length studio album with producer Chris Stringer (Timber Timbre, Ohbijou).

Graydon James & the Young Novelists have a number of Toronto shows scheduled including:

• Cameron House, Dec. 2
• The Garrison, Dec 13
• Lee's Palace, Jan 7

More To Explore: JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
For those who like: King Khan, Raphael Saddiq

Chicago's JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound play soulful, energetic rock with an R&B flavour.  That's real James Brown-style R&B, not the crap that they try to pass off for the genre nowadays.  Their album Want More is out now.

Check out the video for "Everything Will Be Fine":


JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound play the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on November 29th.

"Zunior 2011 Holiday Blender" (album review)

Hand it to the folks over at Zunior.  Every year around this time they come up with a creative way to celebrate the holidays and raise money for charity.  In years past they have released an album of country Christmas blues, and a Peanuts-inspired Christmas covers album.

This year they present us with their Holiday Blender.  The concept sees Canadian acts take familiar Christmas songs and set them to arrangements based on classic Canadian rock.  They even have Santa-as-Leonard Cohen in the cover art.

Various Artists: "(Ahk-toong Bay-bi) Covered" (album review)

It's a year of 20th anniversary tribute, including Q Magazine's album that honours the release of the last decent U2 album, Achtung Baby.

It's a star-studded cast that the mag assembles for the compilation.  Unfortunately, most of these bands (Nine Inch Nails, Garbage, The Killers, Depeche Mode) are well beyond their creative zenith.  It comes through on the music.  It sound like most of these acts are sleep-walking through the process, delivering performances that seem intent on merely mimicking the original.  Even Jack White takes the easy road.

More contemporary acts like The Fray and Glasvegas are similarly uninspired.  But that's to be expected since their own music is generally uninspired and bland.

Young Galaxy to release deluxe "Shapeshifting", give away remix album

Montreal's Young Galaxy is helping to fill Christmas stockings this year.  On December 13th they will be releasing a deluxe edition of their latest album Shapeshifting.

Maybe more interesting is Versus, an album that compiles the remixes that the band has worked on over the course of the year.  It's an impressive list and it's available for free here.

Here's the list of tracks they've remixed that appear on Versus:

• "Serve The People"- Handsome Furs 
• "You'll Improve Me"- Junior Boys
• "Lose It"- Austra 
• "Better Off Dead"- The Sounds
• "Crystal Ball"- Grimes
• "Snake Charmer"- CFCF
• "Call Me"- The Pipettes
• "Watch the World Go By"- Johan Agebjorn
• "Michigan Left"- The Arkells
• "Spellwork"- Austra
• "This Crowded Room"- Freedom or Death

Young Galaxy play The Phoenix in Toronto on December 1st.

Dog Day: "Part Girl" (video)

It looks like Halifax pop outfit Dog Day had a fun time making their new video.  The clip is for the track "Part Girl" from their Deformer album that came out over the summer.

Watch it here:

Evan Voytas preps "Feel Me" EP

Evan Voytas' musical journey has taken him from his childhood in rural Pennsylvania to Los Angeles and stops in between.  On January 24th he continues the journey with the release of his new EP Feel Me.

You can download the first track "Can't Let Anybody Know Who You Are" now.

Here's the track list for the EP:

• When We Could All Float Away
• The Weightlessness
• You Don't Even Know Where Its At
• Can't Let Anybody Know Who You Are
• Feel Me

Dare Dukes comes back with "Thugs & China Dolls"

Georgia-based musician Dare Dukes is slinging his banjo over his shoulder once more as he returns on January 17th with his new album Thugs & China Dolls.

The record is 11 tracks worth of modern banjo pop, catchy and rootsy without being dated or cliched.

Stay tunes for a review closer to the release date.

Elias polish up second album

Vancouver rock outfit Elias have their sophomore album in the can.  The -yet-to-be-titled record will be released on January 17th.

While they may not have a lot of details to share, they do have a 'making of' video for fans.  Check it out here:


I'll pass on more album details and of course tour dates when they become available.

Leonard Cohen to release new album "Old Idea", stream first track

Legendary musician/poet/Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer Leonard Cohen is poised to return with a new studio album.  Old Ideas, his first new record of new material in 8 years, has been slated for a January 31st release.

Here's the track list for the album:

• Going Home
• Amen
• Show Me the Place
• The Darkness
• Anyhow
• Crazy to Love You
• Come Healing
• Banjo
• Lullaby
• Different Sides

London Seint: "Lucid" (video)

London Seint is a Toronto-based artist who draws influence from sprawling adventurous acts like Radiohead and Pink Floyd.  He just released his second music video, a disturbing self-directed piece for the track "Lucid".

Watch the clip here:


Look for more material from London Seint in the coming months, before the release of a debut full length album.

New Hands: "This I've Heard" (stream)

Hamilton, ON is the home of 5-piece rock outfit New Hands.  The band has a very eclectic set of influences that they manage to weave together nicely on their new track "This I've Heard".

There's a maturity in the full-bodied sound that is surprising coming from a band who are just entering university.

Listen to the track here and enjoy:

New releases for Nov 22nd: Common, Kate Bush

It's a slow week for new releases, but here's what we have on tap:

• Kate Bush- stream
• Common
• Chris Cornell
• Daughtry
• Death Cab For Cutie
• Marvelous Darlings- MP3
• Rhett Miller- stream
• Sunbears- MP3

Pixies' Joey Santiago and David Lovering to release 7"

Joey Santiago and David Lovering, both of Pixies fame, have a new project called The Everybody.  They are set to release a split 7" on December 20th.

The Everybody contributes the song "Marooned".  The flip side is "Demon Oar" (gotta love anagrams!), a reconstruction of the a-side by Indiana band Stationary Odyssey.

There's a Kickstarter campaign for the vinyl release.  You can contribute, and pre-order here.

Check out "Marooned" here:

Martin L. Gore and Vince Clarke join forces for album, EPs

Credit: Travis Shinn

Vince Clarke and Martin L. Gore should be familiar names to anyone who hasn't been in a coma since 1980.  Clarke has made his mark with Yazoo and Erasure, while Gore is the driving force in Depeche Mode.

The duo have come together for the cleverly named project VCMG.  A full length album (title TBA) will be released early in 2012.

In the lead-up though, the pair will be releasing a series of EPs.  The first, Spock, will be available everywhere on December 13th.

Here's the track list for the first EP:

• Spock - Album version
• Spock - Edit Select Remix
• Spock - Regis Remix
• Spock - DVS1 Voyage Home Remix
• Spock - XOQ Remix

Damon Guyett: "Bugged"

Out of his mom's basement in sleepy Waterdown, ON comes 20 year-old musician Damon Guyett.  He's spending his time wisely, making spacey experimental lo-fi music.

Check out the trippy "Bugged":

Doug Tielli: new album, CD release show

Canadian singer/songwriter Doug Tielli is on the verge of releasing his new album.  Swan Sky Sea Squirrel, a title which means...um...I haven't a clue, comes out on November 28th.

The album marks the 70th release for the Blocks Recording Club.

Here's the track listing for the album:

• Yes I am lonely 
• When The Sky Opens 
• Riversea 
• Deer 
• Swan 
• Squirrel Tips 
• Santia 
• Lilia 
• Let Go Of The Vast Dark 
• Dear Gone One 
• The Deepest End 

What the video for "Deer", featuring Jennifer Castle, here:

Deer - Doug Tielli from Doug Tielli on Vimeo.

Doug Tielli plays a CD release show at Tranzac in Toronto on November 27th.

This week's entertainment picks: Peter Murphy, Mastodon

It's a week of big shows as some all-time greats come to Toronto (Prince, Ray Davies)

Peter Murphy w. She Wants Revenge, Lee's Palace, Nov 23
About a month late for Halloween, Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy pulls into town to spook us all with his solo show.

Mastodon, Kool Haus, Nov 25
If you like your metal big and beefy then Mastodon is probably your thing.  Get ready to have your chest collapsed with the thumping bass.

...also this week:

• Andy Kim, Nov 21
• Jann Arden, Nov 22
• Judas Priest, Nov 22
• Neverending White Lights, Nov 22
• Ten Second Epic, Nov 22
• The Kooks, Nov 23
• Neverending White Lights, Nov 23
• Cuff The Duke, Nov 25
• Emma-Lee, Nov 25
• Friends, Nov 25
• Lights, Nov 25
• Prince, Nov 25
• Ray Davies, Nov 25
• Cuff The Duke, Nov 26
• Prince, Nov 26
• Timber Timbre, Nov 26

Toronto concerts announced this week: Dropkick Murphys, Kathleen Edwards

Here's a quick look at some of the concerts announced for Toronto over the past week:

• St Vincent, The Phoenix, Dec 15
• Young Rival, The Coppertone, Sandman Viper Command, The Garrison, Dec 15
• Lamb Of God, The Phoenix, Jan 27
• Machine Head, Sound Academy, Jan 28
• Jack's Mannequin, Sound Academy, Jan 31
• Hanson, The Phoenix, Feb 10
• Kathleen Edwards  w. Hannah Georgas, The Phoenix, Feb 11
• Other Lives, The Drake, Feb 14
• Dropkick Murphys, Sound Academy, Feb 22
• Scud Mountain Boys, Lee's Palace, Feb 25
• The Young Giant, The Phoenix, Mar 1
• Metronomy, The Hoxton, Apr 4
• The Naked and The Famous, Sound Academy, Apr 5
• Nedtobreathe, Opera House, Apr 14

The Twilight Singers: "Live In New York" (mini-review)

Greg Dulli's Twilight Singers are one of the rare bands that can make you feel filthy just by listening to the record.  That's a good thing.  Having never seen them live, I'm glad to have the new album Live In New York to confirm that they can do the same thing in person.

This performance was captured at New York's Webster Hall this year on Friday the 13th of May (perfect for the band).  The 19-tracks of the concert are a fairly balanced, offering a good sampling of the band's entire catalogue.

They are delivered with the ominous intensity that you'd expect from The Twilight Singers.  A sprawling "Bonnie Brae" being one of the standouts.

In the calmer moments the vocal recording is a bit shaky, but that's to be expected.  Besides, with Dulli's throat-stripping screams those calm moments never last too long anyway.

I feel that stage banter and crowd noise are crucial elements of a good live record.  Without them, what's the point of having a live record?  I never go the appeal of those sterile iTunes sessions.  There's no worry about that here as the audience and Dulli don't shy away from interacting.

Verdict: Buy It

School Of Seven Bells set to release "Ghostory"

Credit: Justin Hollar

School Of Seven Bells have announced the release of their next studio album. Ghostory, out February 28th, will be the third album from the duo.

I don't have much more information at the moment, but I'll keep you apprised as I learn more or hear about tour dates.

Playlist Of The Week: Guilty Pleasures

This week I thought it would be neat (keen even) to bring you a playlist of my own personal guilty pleasures.  In compiling the list, it turns out that my guilty pleasures tend to be things I heard as a kid in the early to mid '80s.  So it's definitely skewed to that sound.

Listen to my list, which includes the likes of Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Poison, Wang Chung, Baltimora, Corey Hart, and Boney M., here.

Unfortunately, MOG didn't have all the songs I was looking for, so apologies to Oran "Juice" Jones, Timex Social Club, and Kim Mitchell.

The Soiree: "Marathons" (EP review)

Marathons is the new 6-song EP from Ottawa band The Soirée.

The group have an interesting sound that combines roots rock with power pop.  Lilting pianos and some playful guitar noodling are the feature attractions, but there's always a little room for xylophone (or is it glockenspiel) and other quirky instruments.

Add solid hooks and you've got a concoction that should appeal to fans of bands like Jukebox The Ghost.

The EP is available for free download here.

Check out the track "While We're Awake" here:


Verdict: Buy It

More To Explore: Chris Bartels

Chris Bartels
For those who like: Nick Drake, Mark Kozelek

Monring's Gold, the debut EP from Minneapolis singer/songwriter Chris Bartels will comes out on December 6th, and fans of dreamy folk music should circle the date.  His songs are thoughtful, and far warmer than, say Bon Iver.

Lambchop announce new album "Mr. M.", stream first track

Hard-to-pin-down Nashville indie band Lambchop have announced the release of a new studio album.  Mr. M, which is scheduled to come out on February 21st from Merge Records, will be the eleventh offering from the band.

Judging from the group's website, it looks like tour dates have been blocked off, but nothing has been announced thus far.

Listen to the first song "If Not I'll Just Die" here:
Lambchop - If Not I'll Just Die by MergeRecords

Primus: "Tragedy's A'Comin'" (video)

Is it just me or is there a band on the planet that enjoys dressing up in animal costumes for videos as much as Primus.  We had a giant pig in "Mr. Krinkle", now we get Les Claypool stuffed in a lobster outfit for the new video for "Tragedy's A'Comin'".  The song is from their latest album Green Naugahyde.

Check it out here:

Mushy Callahan: "Man On The Run" (mini-review)

After pulling up stakes and moving from Northern Alberta to Toronto (good move guys), the four brothers who comprise Mushy Callahan have been able to release their debut EP Man On The Run.

The 5-track record leans heavily on classic rock as an influence.  Beefy bass riffs, arena-quality guitar solos, and booming vocals turn this into indie rock with umph.

Somehow they manage to pull it all off without sounding cheesy or coming off as some sort of satirical act.

Verdict: Buy It

Mushy Callahan play Hard Luck Bar in Toronto tomorrow night.

High On Stress: "Living Is a Dying Art" (album review)

No matter how you slice it, The Replacements cast a long shadow over Minneapolis rock.  The band was so incredibly important to music as a whole that it must be daunting for any group from the town to try to play their style of freewheeling, clever rock n' roll.

One band that makes a pretty good go at it is High On Stress.  They have their third full length album, Living Is a Dying Art, coming out shortly.

From the opening bars of "Bite Your Tongue", it's easy to hear the Westerberg influence as a "Mannequin Shop"/"Love You In The Fall" groove takes hold.  The band is loose and rollicking throughout.  It's the sound of a band playing music they love and having fun doing it.

High On Stress can slow it down for the reflective numbers, like "Head", too.  A little twang creeping in is welcome as well.

The album has a lot in common thematically with The Replacements' work as well.  On the surface are the great song titles, really, how can you beat "All Along the Water Tower".  Delve a bit deeper and you get the wry sense of humour, on display for all during cuts like "Coattail Rider".  At the core though, you a band that doles out the advice about drinking, breaking up, having fun, and hitting bottom.  Sounds familiar doesn't it.

Everything comes together almost magically with the perfectly ramshackle "These Days Are Gone".   It goes to show that High On Stress are carrying on a legacy and doing it justice.

Best tracks: "These Days Are Gone", "Here Is Your Smoking Gun"

Track listing for Living Is a Dying Art:

• Bite Your Tongue
• These Days Are Gone
• Figure Eights
• Lost My Invitation
• Even Time Won't Tell
• Heard
• Up Your Sleeve
• Some Things Look Better In Pictures
• Here Is Your Smoking Gun
• Lead Follow Roll
• Dakota Square
• Cottail Rider
• All Along the Water Tower

7.5/10

Cursive return with concept album "I Am Gemini"

Credit: Tony Bonacci

Post-punk outfit Cursive are set to return on February 21st with the release of their seventh studio album I Am Gemini.  The record comes out on Saddle Creek.

The album is a concept record that tells the tale of twins Cassius and Pollock.  They were separated at birth, one grew up good, the other evil.  They come back together and all sorts of heck ensues.

Here's the track list for the album:

• This House Alive
• Warmer Warmer
• The Sun and Moon
• Drunken Birds
• Lullaby for No Name
• Double Dead
• Gemini
• Twin Dragon/Hello Skeleton
• Wowowow
• This House a Lie
• The Cat and Mouse
• A Birthday Bash
• Eulogy for No Name

Some tour dates have been booked, but there's nothing set for Toronto yet.