Ol' Gorilla Bones x The Dirty Sample, Shoulder Season, and Dara Schindelka
Ol’ Gorilla Bones x The Dirty Sample
Revenge Vol. 1 // Hand'Solo Records
Back from the dead, Ol’ Gorilla Bones x The Dirty Sample bring us some raw and dirty hip-hop, tailor-made for summer chill times. Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, rapper/producer the Dirty Sample claims he has dragged his alter ego's "ape ass out of the grave as the bigger, badder Ol’ Gorilla Bones". Hotboxed full of slappy basslines and low sizzurpy vocals, Revenge Vol. I is the perfect soundtrack to your various smoke related endeavors. "Death Bubba" and the whole vibe preaches the gospel of weed, meaning if you aren't chill by the end of the 17 track album, you may just be too high strung for the likes of OGB.
Focused heavily on the subject of revenge (obviously), the theme of the album is both "dark and ugly" and a little bit spooky. Rob Roy and frequent collaborator Touch, come in as guests but the album is OGB x The Dirty Sample at its grimiest. The funky "Back From the Dead '' brings in the horns over a laid back drum beat, reminding me of if Chali 2na had a lovechild with Roots Manuva and had a guest appearance with Deltron 3030.
Revenge Vol. 1 is a spooky, scrungy southern- style hip hop album that will be pumping from a local low-rider El Camino near you.
- Mo Lawrance
Shoulder Season
Not the Time // Self-Released
Am I becoming more particular as I age? I want my music not too hard, not too soft, not too loud, or not too quiet. I found the perfect blend in Halifax’s indie punk rockers, Shoulder Season. This is jussst right! The latest EP titled Not the Time sets the right vibe for a wild time and packs much punch. It’s like hitting the spiked punch bowl at a ladies night party. It hits you hard and fast. Not the Time offers sentiments of womanhood, social issues, and having a critical eye in today’s world. I love you friends. I’m not drunk crying. You are!!! Complete with skull cramps the next day. You leave a little empowered by the advice and some recipes to try out. I feel right at home with this EP like I do with a certain few girl friends. Thankful for these women in my life and for the women in music whose music helps me navigate my own life in all its seasons.
Shoulder Season began in 2018 playing shows to the audience of a dog named Meatball and released a single Deep Fake in 2021. Quickly outgrowing that audience they focused on recording and releasing this first EP full of gritty, crunchy, synth driven delights. Released in May 2022. Not the Time really delivers! Shoulder Season is Karen Foster kicking it on Keyz/Vox, Mel Sturk grinding on Guitar/Vox, Krinstina Parlee brings the Bass, and Meg Yoshida booming on Drums. All are of previous projects that you may heard of…Safeword, The Johnnies, The Maynards and DogDay just to name a few. This certainly isn’t their first rodeo. They have the knack, skills, and integrity to back it all up. So put away those shoulder pads and pull up your big girl panties cause it’s party time with Shoulder Season!
“More Pretty” gets you bopping with its steady upbeat drums, grungy guitar and a super cutesy synth that reminds me of Bubble Bobble. A little layering of the vocals that just build and build. With some down to earth lyrics to go with it, “I promise it will feel less shitty not to smile when they tell you’ll look more pretty” and “I’m telling you not to smile and I don’t have to smile!” Let’s just be real. Don’t put on that happy face if you don’t want to.
“Making Plans” is super appealing and was one of the first Shoulder Season songs I fell for. With its quick tempo, raw intensity and heavy synths that create an almost manic feeling. The utmost urgency of these plans. The attention to every minor detail of the plans being made. The hyper focus required to see through these plans. The drive and determination to make these plans happen. Some call it daydreaming. I call it vision. Setting goals, making plans and kicking ass. Let this song be the drive you need to keep going!
“This Town” is an ode to the small town hometown and the only slower song on the EP. Soft synths begin setting the tone. The guitar has a softer grungy sound which fits nicely. The bass line really shines on this track. The drums play with such a sweetness it’s the perfect dynamics of loud and soft. The vocals have a softness and sadness. The lyrics are so honest and comforting…there’s the heart. I live in a small town and every word was relatable for me.
Shoulder Season’s new EP Not the Time is something you’ll wanna make time for over and over again. It’s got the pep, the punk and the raw emotion. Music is my medicine and this EP offered me good healing for this hot mess! Be good to each other.
Love Always,
- Green Noreen
Dara Schindelka
Saturn Returns // Self-Released
Saskatchewan-based Dara Schindelka has just released her album Saturn Returns, and it is a capsule of raw emotion. From beautiful piano melodies to soft vocals to sombre violin, the album sails through a touching and emotive sea.
Dara’s calm voice is one meant for lullabies, and is gorgeously featured in each serene song on the album. Not losing her soft touch, even the up-tempo songs are embraced with her gentle expression. With her skillful storytelling and peaceful tone, her voice is able to reach almost any audience, from little kiddos to more experienced listeners.
The highlight tracks on the album include heart-warming “Feeling Never Dies”, fun and careless “Drinking Wine”, and jazzy ballad “Wading in Deep”. These three showcase Dara’s versatility in writing, switching between folk and jazz seamlessly.
“Feeling Never Dies” is an up-tempo bop explaining the feeling that comes with reminiscing about old times – “I could travel back in time, but the feeling won’t go away. I can close my eyes and the feeling won’t go away.” The song brings in tenor harmonies on the chorus that add a warm depth and round out the song.
“Drinking Wine” is a zesty song about the bad decision making that comes with drinking too much wine. The melody in the chorus seems to mimic the carelessness she has while intoxicated, intentionally flipping through her lower register, allowing her to give some serious power behind the lyrics.
“Wading in Deep” features jazzy instrumentals and a fun scatting solo from Dara, which may just be my favourite part on the entire album. “Wading in Deep” is the most vocally intense track on Saturn Returns, showing off Dara’s range and power while she lets loose. If you’re looking for one track to check out to get a sense of her capabilities, this is definitely the one to focus on.
Dara Schindelka is able to fill your head with her smooth vocals and easy-listening piano, making Saturn Returns a very calming experience. She knows how to pull her audience in with catchy instrumental melodies on “Drinking Wine” and “Wading in Deep” and intricate storytelling in “Saturn Returns” and “The Sweater”.
- Holly-Anne Gilroy
