Music Review: Grimes live at Mavericks

Grimes performed a jaw-dropping set at Mavericks last night.

Set up with a keyboard and a loop-triggering console, the Montreal-based singer and producer had the the audience in a trance, wondering what world they'd just been transported to. Grimes' voice is a wonder to behold, she seems to have been dropped down from some other galaxy or time, like a fairy or a greek siren.

If I had to compare, I'd say imagine Lykke Li and Aaliyah had a child, that childs voice would be Grimes'. She possesses child-like qualities, by playing with her loop-console, and keyboard, she gives the impression of a gifted young girl playfully discovering her own talents. But the diva is there too, and when she throws her hand in the air to help describe her eloquently phrased melodies, you realise, she knows exactly what she's doing.

Listening to Grimes' recorded material (as great as much of it is), does not do her justice. It's the in-the-moment improvisations and variations which truly expose her incredible singing, and the unreleased tracks which make you feel like you've been let in on a great new secret.

Crystal Ball was standout track from last night, if you get the chance to see Grimes' in concert, don't pass it up:

Video Review: Battles Take It Away with LaBlogotheque

La Blogotheque is continuously celebrated for its passion for sharing music through words and images. They consistently manage to do so with their Take Away Shows; this one featuring New York based trio, Battles, is no exception. The folks are at it again, this time however, in an expansive lounge in the city hall of Paris, France where the experimental rockers perform Wall Street and Futura from their upcoming album Glossdrop. Both songs occasionally seem to be all over the place and, at one point, don't seem to go anywhere but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Battles manage to pull the various melody sequences together while La Blogotheque supply us with one of their most visually compelling videos to date. The editing accomplished in this gem is insane and paired well next to the intricate, multi-layered harmonies found in this Take-Away session. To check out La Blogotheque click here.

Disposable Fun 2

The summer is quickly advancing and these photos really capture the fun I've been having - from taking a walk at 6am, hanging out in parks, taking pictures of the sky to having a picnic in the middle of a windy afternoon in Wakefield - it seems like there is no time to be bored. Go outside right now and enjoy yourself. Thank you!

Artistic Spotlight - Sarah Tue-Fee

Sarah Tue-Fee, a Fine Arts Major at University of Ottawa, uses film stills and promotional movie images as references for her work. She tries to link the time-based film medium to painting, which is largely based on still moments. As she states, "It's fan art, but with a conceptual backing, so it's okay." When asked about her favourite materials she talks about oil paints. "I find that there's so much more you can do with them due to the extended drying time and looser texture. Plus it looks 'sexy.' Her works have a sex appeal to them that adds to this effect of the oil paints.

When asked about the connection between education and artistry, she believes that is has helped her practice. "The studio classes especially have given me concrete experience with new materials, as well as new ways of thinking about art. The history classes also inform some of the conceptual frameworks." At the moment she's renting out studio space at the Universtiy and experimenting with a bunch of different styles. Sarah also works with film! A couple of months ago we posted her video with Howie Tsui. Click here to check it out. To check out Sarah's blog click here.

Music Review: Wu Lyf - Go Tell it On The Mountain

Wu Lyf first drew internet whisperings after posting up a few of their early recordings in 2009. Since that time, they've been defined partly by their inacessibility. In this twitter age, they refused all interview and label requests, choosing instead to record their first album independently in an abandoned church.

Go Tell It On the Mountain is sure to be a polarizing album, with listeners either deciding they cannot get used to lead singer Ellery Roberts' distinctive wail, or else allowing themselves to get lost in the bands unique sound.

For this listener, the album really begins to flow a few songs in. The strech of six songs from Such A Sad Puppy Dog to 14 Crowns for me and Your Friends flows effortlessly and is sure to soundtrack many summer picnics and backyard barbecues in 2011.

Wu Lyf - We Bros

Book Review - Worn Journal

I got the recent issue of Worn Journal in the mail after the long mail strike wait but it was definitely worth it. This issue has loads of good stuff including the history of gay fashion, some wicked photo shoots, book reviews, interviews with the graphic designer of Harper's Bazaar, and tips on how to identify the pattern your wearing (I discovered I have a love of "paisley"). The issues just keep getting better and better and this one has more colour pages than ever. You can pick one up at Victoire and other place around Ottawa or you can check out their website by clicking here.