We’re basically half way done with 2017. Great music has always been a part of Hamilton and the first half of this year offered up some musical delights. Let’s take a look at some of the best new music that Hamilton put out in the first half of 2017.
It’s time to update those playlists, iPods, and Zunes, ladies and gents.
Young Rival – Elevator
While this song was technically recorded and released in 2016, the video was put out just after the new year. It was an exciting and creative way to start a new year of music. This song is awesome and the video is an innovative work of art. This video was digitally shot and edited, and then printed out frame by frame on dot matrix printers, and re-scanned to achieve the final result. Fancy.
moon:and:6 – A Brief History of American Space Travel
This is an incredibly ambitious and exciting project that tells the story of the American space program from 1958 to 2011. The album is rooted in actual NASA audio archives that are freely available on the internet. This is an impressive concept album that needs to be heard.
Sweet Dave & The Shallow Graves – Mental Jails
The frontman of Hamilton’s beloved TV Freaks surprised everyone earlier this year when he announced his new musical venture. Sweet Dave & The Shallow graves is made up of some of Hamilton’s finest musicians and their debut album is terrific. This whole album is like a giant ear worm that crawls into your brain and never leaves. I feel like I’ve been listening to these songs for the past 5 years – in a good way.
B.A. Johnston – Gremlinz 3
Hamilton’s favourite son, B.A. Johnston, put out an amazing new album this year. Gremlinz 3 sees our greatest ambassador of good times take his production and song writing up a notch. I’m not sure if he intended to make these songs this good but he did. The album is terrific but to really experience the magic you’ll have to leave the house and catch a live show. You may never be the same again.
Adrian Underhill – Not Good Enough
Hamilton / Toronto based Adrian Underhill released a truly beautiful song this year. With an unexpected tenderness and emotional depth, this song tells the relatable tale of not feeling like you’re good enough. Adrian is an excellent songwriter and this video is pretty funky.
The Altobeelays – Weaponized Magik
If you’ve been out for a night live music at some point in Hamilton over the past few years you’ve probably seen The Altobeelays, or one of their many side projects. These guys are some of the most hardworking and talented musicians in Hamilton and they’ve finally released an album. This is a great collection of funky, jazzy, blusey, rock songs. The album does a great job of capturing the fun energy The Altobeelays bring on the stage.
Mötem – Balance
Hamilton’s funkiest electronic artist, Mötem, consistently puts out a lot of great music. He’s released a few new tracks this year but the one that sticks out the most, to me, is Balance. This is a great example of a Mötem track: cool beats, positive message, amazing delivery, sunglasses indoors, fun video. Balance is the feel good anthem we all so desperately need in these dark times of global uncertainty.
DAVIDS – O117EP
This right here is a great collection of songs from DAVIDS, the famously elusive and mysterious Greater-Hamilton based group. Nothing else quite sounds like a DAVIDS track – they have a really exciting sound and some excellent songs. It’s like the tracklist to an amazing warehouse dance party in a 90’s crime movie. Put this on your headphones and take a drive down Burlington St. at night – It’s like being in a video game.
Dead Tired, Vol.Two
The highly anticipated second release from Dead Tired happened earlier this year and it was glorious. We got 3 new songs with enough piss and vinegar to keep us raging for a little while. If you’re ever going to get screamed at by someone you may as well get screamed at by George Pettit. Dead Tired are amazing and you should definitely make it a point to catch one of their live shows.
The Pucumber Sasssquash Family Band, Quantaundron?
This is easily one of the better albums that’s come out of Hamilton in the past 12 months. Pucumber Sasssquash Family Band are an incredible force of music. They are loud, erratic, intense, and totally captivating. There’s nothing else quite like this band and Hamilton is lucky to have them. This is another one that you should really see live.
Billy Moon, Tarranoh
This is a great song about making your way down to Toronto and dealing with Toronto things. While Billy Moon aren’t 100% Hamilton based anymore, we still hang on to them as honorary Hamiltonians. This song has great energy and Billy Moon have been cranking out the great tunes over the past year. All of this is leading up to a new album which can’t come soon enough.
Arkells – Knocking At The Door
Knocking At The Door is a fantastic new track from Arkells. This track sees the band adding in a fantastic horns section and some guest vocalists. It’s a feel good ‘stand up and do something’ kind of track.
ttwwrrss – Very Snazzy
One of the most exciting electronic artist in Hamilton, ttwwrrss (pronounced: towers) has been away for a little while. He returned recently with this cool retro Miami Vice style track. It’s a light and bouncy song that’s perfect for summer pool side listening, or while working in an office and staring out the window longingly.
Backbiters – S/T
This is another amazing punk record that was released in Hamilton recently. Backbiters are an excellent band and their album is so good. Backbiters have an exciting and aggressive vibe that’s really captivating. The guitar work on this album is particularly good. This is another band that you’ll want to catch live for the full effect.
