THE ARGUES-SOMETHING NEW-‘SUPERIOR POP/ROOTS JANGLE” CD REVIEW JOHN EMMS

The Argues debut album Something New is pure roots/pop that simply sparkles.

The sonic sweep of the harmonies on the title track along with the chunky rock n’ roll of Get It Done just knocks you over.

16 year old main lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Sabrina Argue is always confident but then again the sweet vocal by her sister Lauren on Living Our Lives is gorgeous roots at it’s best.

Mother and Father Michael and Chantale guitar and drums also co-write a number of the songs on this six song EP.

The first single Run Till I Drop is original and exciting pop.

Exhilarating debut and as the song says The Best Is Yet To Be

Wow!!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist/Sun and Post Media contributor and songwriter with Canuck Blues Rockers THE SHAFTMEN

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SUGAR RAY AND THE BLUETONES-SEEING IS BELIEVING-“FIERCE BLUES POWER”CD REVIEW JOHN EMMS

When guitarist Monster Mike Welsh stabs out his guitar solo on the title track of this new album you quickly realize this is the real thing.

That is not new info for this veteran band.

Along with the opening Sweet Baby and the rollicking Sugar Ray harp punch of Blind Date it is however confirmation.

Check out the rolling piano 88’s on Noontime Bell with Anthony Geraci or the killer 50’s echo vocal by Norcia on Got a Gal or even the powerful Two Hundred Dollars Too Long

This stuff smokes.

The band rarely ventures out of the songwriting pocket to blues rock or jazz and if that’s ok with you, this is your ticket to the real thing!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, Post/Sun Media contributor and heads up his own blues rocking band THE SHAFTMEN

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MONKEYJUNK-TIME TO ROLL-“ACCESSIBLE, IN THE MOMENT SONGS’ CD REVIEW-BY JOHN EMMS

MonkeyJunk’s latest album Time To Roll showcases tight and accessible songs that sound immediate and in the moment

The band has refined it’s approach to writing and playing and this album sparkles with that groove.

It reminds me some of The Fabulous Thunderbirds work that stayed true to their roots but also grew them a much bigger audience.

For example Time to Roll, See The Sign and a great cover of The Hunter are killer mainstream blues rock performances that really work.

Recorded at Signal Path Studios with Ken Friesen the big acoustic strum. catchy electric riff, and superb vocals on Pray for Rain written with Paul Reddick just can’t miss.

That goes ditto for the smooth Kim Wilson-esque R & B of Can’t Call You Baby  and the mad shuffle on the song Gone.

Honestly, this album is the most focused I have heard the Canuck trio.

The  essential move by simply adding bass guitar to the mix also works wonders.

It is indeed Time To Roll

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist of 30 plus years, a blues/roots songwriter and heads up his own blues rock band THE SHAFTMEN