Tina Leon, Jake Vaadeland, and Pre-Breaker
Tina Leon
Push // Ensoul Records
Get ready for a soulful musical journey with Tina Leon’s debut EP, Push. The Montreal based singer delivers on all the angles with a perfect mix of R&B, gospel, jazz and pop in these fantastic songs. Here she is able to merge her talented voice with an array of personal life experiences that have inspired her to explore deeper into human emotions. The result is a grounding and honest record that listeners can easily relate to.
Tina has been part of the Canadian music scene for many years. She used to perform under the name of Marie-Christine Depestre and had the opportunity to share the stage with many prominent artists (Lionel Richie, Garou, DJ Champion, Les Louanges); she also collaborated with Stevie Wonder on her song “Keep on Running” and performed as a backup vocalist on several popular tv shows. Now she is ready for a new chapter in her artistic journey as Tina Leon.
Let’s talk about her latest work, Push. The opening track “Settlin” has a soulful vibe that captures you as soon as you hear her voice. The horn and string arrangements elevate you while the lyrics bring you back with her story telling. The third track “I Should Be Enough” comes accompanied by a music video. This song has a funky groove that builds up to catchy chorus that also works as a self-affirmation for Tina herself as well as the listener. The last track, “Erase”, is one of the most dynamic songs on this EP. It starts with a soft piano, minimalistic drums and an almost ballad-like vocal performance that evolves into a danceable 70’s inspired tune that has elements of motown, funk and soul that beg you to get up and groove.
There is still much to experience with Tina Leon’s Push EP. It is full of rhythm, lavish melodies and personality, a must on your autum playlist and a guaranteed keeper.
- Fel Gamarra
Jake Vaadeland
Everybody But Me // Self-Released
The one and only “Retro Man” Jake Vaadeland has released a new album titled Everybody But Me. At ten tracks long, the release includes a few catchy bangers, a serene ballad, and a whole lot of charm.
I was able to attend the album release show at The Bassment in Saskatoon and witness Everybody But Me live. It was my first time seeing a Jake Vaadeland performance and I can definitely say I see why folks enjoy his shows so much. The two hours were full of comedy, great music, and a few fancy tricks from Jake himself. More than a week later I am still hearing people exclaim about him standing on the side of the double bass without missing a note.
My favourite track from the album is the earworm, “Gonna Find My Baby”. From investigation on streaming services, it appears Vaadeland’s listeners are on the same page, with the song having over twice as many listens as the others on the album. It’s a fast-paced track with a catchy melody and doo-wop background vocals. Bringing in a lot of the “50s Rockabilly” he describes his sound as; the song is one that is certainly worth a listen.
Another track I am quite fond of is “The Bar Down the Street”. This one is a bit more laid back and features some sweet pedal steel in addition to the Sturgeon River Boys backing up Vaadeland. This track shows off his smooth and charming vocals as well as his favoured-by-many storytelling. Between “The Bar Down the Street” and “Gonna Find My Baby”, the welcoming atmosphere Vaadeland creates through his music is quite well represented.
Still within his charismatic feel, “Living Simply” demonstrates a bit of his versatility. The song is a stripped-down version of his usual set up, featuring Vaadeland and his acoustic guitar. I really like the intimate feel of the song and think it fits well with the message and title of the song. “Living Simply” closes the album on a sweet note and leaves the listener feeling quite refreshed.
Jake Vaadeland’s name is surrounded by lots of buzz and excitement in Saskatchewan right now. The eighteen-year-old retro man has a big following and is not planning on slowing down anytime soon, as seen by his four Saskatchewan Country Music Awards this year. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this suit-loving gentleman!
- Holly Gilroy
Pre-Breaker
The Hunter // Self-Released
Sometimes you need something loud and heavy to get you going in the morning and coffee just isn’t strong enough. So you bust out the Pre-Breaker and get your fine grind on. These fresh ground sounds are super strong! Get it in your cup and in your ears. Your awake and ready to take on the day with Edmonton’s newest crossover death metal band Pre-Breaker!
Pre-Breaker is Edmonton based but is deeply rooted in Fort Saskatchewan, AB. These roots run deep. The project began years ago with Justin Olson and Dexter McKale (Grandpa’s Medicine/Xiphias) writing lyrics and riffs. The vision became clear and began to take shape, form and morphed adding Wild Wes Retzlaff (The Knot No Howz) on Bass and Kyle Glysinskie (Red Skull Ritual) on Drums. Pre-Breaker didn’t waste anytime. They hit The Physics Lab in Edmonton to record with Rob Lawless in early August and released their first single, “Decayed Grudge”, on Bandcamp in August 22/22. The full EP was released on September 2nd, 2022. They’re on top of their game and are coming out of the gates hard and fast. Definitely death metal to watch out for.
Their first single, “Decaying Grudge”, permeates a darkness that not even death can hold at bay. This track really sets a tone with a growling guitar and a killer kick/cymbal combo kicks things off. Olson let’s out a deep “Ough” signaling it’s go time! Things pick up and you can’t help to start nodding in approval. Before you know it, you’re hooked into the snarly scaling guitar solos. Olsen growls telling a story that not even death can stop the furious vengeance. Deadly first song!
“The Hunter” is a harrowing and haunting tale. With it’s deathly vibe and guttural vocals guitar. That killer intro leads into a ‘pick-me-up’ in the tempo and the sickest guitar riff ever! It’s my fave on the album because of that riff and just the rawness of the lyrics and vocals. This song also features some very special guest vocals by Daren Sixlix from the Rubber Bully’s. I like the dynamic of Olsen and Siklix and what they both scream. Screaming out a warning to hide and take cover cause “When the Hunter strikes? Nobody really knows.” Don’t say you weren’t warned.
“Cleaver” is a head banger if there ever was one! Intro guitar and drums give it that punch! Bass is meaty and loud. Olson really gives it romp and stomp vocals and the track itself has the lyrical and satirical wit to go with it. This track tells a story of a serial killer getting wasted, having a night out on the town and maybe not remembering all the horrors of the night before. It’s a total head banger. My favourite line from the song “I’m never drinking again..till next weekend”. We’ve all had a hangover at some point.
Dig right into Pre-Breaker. They may break hearts and break skulls with their first EP, The Hunter, but they are only just getting started!! This EP packs much punch and I hope you found it to be the banger you needed for your long weekend!
Be good to each other!
Love Always,
Green Noreen
