Sheezer
I had the pleasure of partaking in Resonancity’s “Bands To Chase 2010″ list recently where we got to pick bands we think are going to be big in the new year. Here are links to all the lists:
Here are my official picks:
The Balconies – If the end of 2009 was any indication of things for the Balconies, 2010 should be the year they take over the music scene. This Ottawa power-pop trio (recently relocated to Toronto) comprised of brother-sister duo Jacquie and Stephen Neville and drummer Liam Jaeger released their self-titled album late last year to much praise and admiration from local bloggers and music fans. Bursting with catchy melodies, dynamic vocals and a maturity that some bands on their third or fourth album strive to achieve, things can only go up for these guys in the new year.
Diamond Rings – John O’Regan (The D’Urbervilles) a.k.a. Diamond Rings was the toast of the local music scene, international artists (opening for La Roux) and even Pitchfork last year with his breakout YouTube hit “All Yr Songs”. But the video and the song are only a little sneak peek into the spectacle that’s to come. In the midst of finishing up his debut album, Diamond Rings will finally release his much-anticipated album this year and if his live material is a sign of anything, it will be incredible.
Novels – This super-band made up of Will Currie, Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club), Luke Lalonde (Born Ruffians), Dean Marino (Ex-po) and Jason Sadlowski (Jay Sad) is basically destined for success. Though the band won’t be selling their debut EP in stores (the band has opted to just let people download it for free online), their music will undoubtedly reach a wide audience and gain lots of press, as it has already in the blogosphere.
The Elwins - This Newmarket duo of Travis Stokl and Matthew Sweeney are certainly an up-and-coming act to watch for this year. With a full-length on its way, the Elwins’ brand of sugary sweet pop-rock is comparable to The Strokes or friends, Tokyo Police Club and The Bicycles. It’s definitely cheerful and a ray sunshine into your ears.
Sheezer – This all-girl Weezer cover band debuted on New Years Eve at the Tranzac and literally blew everyone away, even if you weren’t a Weezer fan. The band’s made up of Dana Snell (The Bicycles), Laura Barrett (The Hidden Cameras), Magali Meagher (The Phonemes), Robin Hatch (ex-Sports The Band) and Alysha Haugen and even though they don’t take any particularly unique approaches to covering hits like “Buddy Holly” or “My Name is Jonas” they do a hell of a job rockin’ them out. Fingers crossed for more shows soon! If they wanted to, I think Sheezer can take over the world; one Weezer fan at a time.
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