Clever Hopes, The Knot No Howz/Iron Tusk, and Half Dead
Clever Hopes
Artefact // Self Released
Time and time again, we are reminded when one chapter in our lives closes, there can be wonder to come in the rest of the book of your life. We are also reminded how important it is to connect and stay connected with the creative energy within ourselves, and of others. Clever Hopes’ debut album, Artefact, is that very reminder for me, and could be for you too. The multitalented, Andrew Shaver and Eva Foote are the core that make up Clever Hopes. The band’s creation stemmed from Andrew’s break-up which led him to Australia on a path of self-discovery. It was during this time, Andrew wrote the songs that would be Artefact.
For me, the most stunning element of Artefact, is how elegant and natural Andrew and Eva’s voices intertwine with one another’s. “Made You Mad” is a perfect example of their playful voices - calling and responding, then, fusing in satisfying musical transients. The recipe that is Artefact, is one with ingredients of passion, pain, loss of deep rooted love, acceptance, and moving on. The album’s emotions safely carry you along from the beginning to the end, all while beautifully balancing the highs and the lows.
It’s an album to be enjoyed from start to finish, oh, and go ahead and back track on a couple songs along the way, I did! Infact, when I first played “Gravel Rash Stare”, I didn't even make it to the first verse. I had to go back and listen to the guitar intro again! I’ve since learned it was laid down by guitarist Joe Grass - beau travail!
A portion of credit must be given to Artefact’s mixer and producer, Matthew Barber. His production value absolutely brings forth Andrew’s passionate, painful, self-realizing and love rooted lyrics. The songs are so engaging, clear, and real, you feel as though you are in the studio with them, watching the compositions come to life!
I do have to recognize and express appreciation towards the work and effort that was poured into the release of Artefact. Clever Hopes, and their team, seemed to have all aspects covered, ready and available. I’d encourage you to seek out Andrew and Eva’s story of how the duo came to be. It’s very personal and without question, invites you to join and understand Clever Hopes as you get lost in their music! I believe this is just the beginning for them, as they will only continue to gain more and more traction. Classify them as Americana, Folk, Country or whatever you prefer, just know, this is a remarkable collection of songs.
“Headphones. That’s the only way to listen to music. It’s all kinds of different emotions because you get real quiet and comfortable and just listen to it.” ~ Gregg Allamn
- Branton Langley
The Knot No Howz/Iron Tusk
The Knot No Howz & Iron Tusk III Split LP // Wasted Wax Records/Flashback Records
I get excited when awesome local bands release music, and that excitement is doubled when it comes in the form of a split release! This was certainly the case when I heard Edmonton Area punk rockers The Knot No Howz joined forces with Calgary thrashers Iron Tusk. The Knot No Howz offer up three tracks (two of which were released as singles), with one new juicy track for fans to dig their teeth into! Iron Tusk released their songs in 2020 in the form of Iron Tusk III, but this is the first time it’s coming to vinyl, and the last track, “Abyss”, is newly mastered!
The Knot No Howz are a tight knit group that have been gigging for five years, and that chemistry and camaraderie is evident in the music they create. The band is fronted by the charismatic Noreen Hurst, who sings with a fierce attitude and works magic on the keys, and also does lots of great work writing for Cups N Cakes Network! Noreen’s partner Kris Hurst holds down the bass and makes it look easy! On drums we have Wes Retzlaff, who also plays guitar in Relics Touque and the newly formed thrash band Pre-Breaker (featuring yours truly). On guitar is Wes’ son, Jake Hubbard, who also plays in Relics Touque. As you can tell, The Knot No Howz are one big family!
The Knot No Howz side of the split starts out with the groovy “Fools Gold”. This whole song is just so catchy, from those head bobbing guitar riffs, Wes’ rapid drum fills, and Noreens infectious vocal patterns, with lyrics that are not sorry for offending you. Next is “It Could Have Been a Punk Rock Song”, which would make a great song for a hockey team to skate out to. The tone of the keys just gives me the feeling of being in a small-town hockey rink, and the vibe of this song could easily get a room of people jazzed up, whether it’s for winter sports or a moshpit. Lastly is their brand new song , “Gov Abo”. As you probably gathered from the title, this song is an anti establishment anthem, and even though the song is pretty slow and easy, you can still hear the passion and frustration that was put into it.
Iron Tusk has been brewing up tunes in Calgary since 2016, and have been gravitating towards a heavier, more thrash-based sound as they progress. Iron Tusk is bassist and lead singer Buddy Wolfleg, guitarist and back up vocalist Ty Maguire, Carlin Blackrabbit of No More Moments beating the drums, and the bands newest addition, guitarist Craig Bear Chief. Craig’s entrance into the band has a lot to do with the bands sonic progression, and his mixing abilities are a big reason that “Abyss” is my favourite track on the EP!
“Dreaming City” immediately kicks things into mosh mode, with a sweet rock n roll riff, and a satisfyingly smooth vocal pattern mixed with harsh back ups! I love how this song gives the illusion its coming to a close multiple times, only to kick the energy right back up. In the middle we have “Cloud Eater” which has a wonderfully fuzzy guitar tone to it, melding aspects of doom metal seamlessly with thrashy punk! The ending of this track is definitely the heaviest moment of the EP, I found myself rewinding the last minute of this song over and over again! As I mentioned earlier, “Abyss” is my personal favourite track off the release, and also my favourite of Iron Tusk’s discography! Everything on this song sounds just right. The drums sound clear and crisp, clean but heavy guitar tones, and the meanest sounding vocals on the EP! Iron Tusk III is a perfect mix of thrash, punk, doom, and rock n roll, and if you like any of those things, there will be lots to love about this band and the direction they are headed!
- Justin Olson
Half Dead
Binch // Self Released
There’s a new hardcore punk band that’s gonna lay down something heavy on you. Listen up folks! They’re called Half Dead. A hard blend of fuck you and don’t be dick... just don’t!
Half Dead’s first release titled Binch was released on January 1st of 2022. Who’s this Half Dead anyway? We have Hillary growling on the Vox. We got Tim grinding on Guitar/Vox. Next up is Nicole breaking the Bass and Mike the deadliest time keeper on Drums/Vox. Be careful you might catch a boot to the face. They are starting off the 2022 kicking and screaming. It’s a hard hitting EP filled with fire, and fueled with a few beers and some shots. All songs written by Half Dead and have real some good themes. It’s heavy punk, all the angst channeled into thought provoking tunes about our government, awareness about racism, discrimination and how we treat each other as human beings. The recording, mixing, mastering, engineering was done by Rob Lawless down at The Physics Lab in Edmonton, Ab. This EP will knock more than your teeth out. Now let’s go!
“Skin and Bones” packs a punch right from the start. The guitar comes in loud and dirty chugging along then a “Huuuauuuh!”, and “I don’t fit this skin. Does it fit me?” Half Dead features the incredible drumming of Mike Martin. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him play a few times in his other project, Kroovy Rookers and I always really enjoy watching him play. He displays a killer energy live, and remains one of my favourite drummers in Edmonton.
“Down The Well” was definitely my favourite on the EP and on so many levels. Not only my favourite but it’s already getting some airplay across Canada on campus radio. This song was featured on Montreal’s Sewer Spewer radio show for a very special episode with a political theme. Seems to be well received everywhere it’s been played. Calling out some politicians. Down the well with them all. I think we’re all tired of being told what to do. How much more can we all bend before we break? How much more can we destroy the land for money? If they work for us does this mean we can fire them? Things I wonder…. but nonetheless “Down The Well” is some fuel on the fire. All warm and toasty now.
The whole EP is definitely deadly! I had a real hard time narrowing it down on a last favourite so I’m gonna squeeze in “Enemy” which asks “who is the enemy?” I loved this track especially for the dynamics in the vocals. I like when the whole band gets in there singing, and screaming. Next I squeezed in “Eye for an Eye” for it had everything. Great lyrical content, a deadly dirty guitar, hard steady drums, and the best bass solo! I found it super satisfying to listen to.
Hopefully you’ll give Half Dead a listen and let it burn up the angst within you, and get you moshing around your place. It’s okay the neighbours won’t mind. Maybe I’ll get to see Half Dead play a gig in the future. No one knows what rules they’ll change from one day to the next but let the new EP by Half Dead be the fuel you need to get through these strange days. We don’t all have to hug. Can we just be a little respectful to one another?
Be good to each other.
Love Always,
Green Noreen
