LevyStep

Halifax's venerable Seahorse Tavern will be rocking tonight (Friday) as the group Levystep take the stage to trumpet their debut release, These Times. The Haligonian quintet has been at it since 2009, building a solid fanbase for their rich set of originals. The new release, available as a download on the band's website, is an eight-track set produced by by former Our Lady Peace and current Crash Karma guitarist Mike Turner. It's big guitar rock, with lots of ringing notes, with just a touch of atmospheric soloing, and a big emphasis on choruses and lyrics.


Lead single Hope is a good example of all that, with its moody verses which explode at the chorus. It starts with a solo guitar, edgy and umm, Edge-y, then singer Mike Renaud joins in, a serious lyric from a guy with a big, alternative voice even in the soft parts. Lots of power chords and drums join in for the first chorus, but it's still relatively subdued, and we go back to another softer verse. The catchy chorus hits us louder the second time, and then it's time for some shredding, but not too much. as we soon get a moodier middile eight. It's just setting us up for that last volley, though. The tune fist-pumps its way to a close.

Each of the tracks here are solidly concocted, playing to the strengths of the group, who make a mighty ensemble noise, but can leave enough room for Renaud to belt out the words. While basically a guitar band, there's prescious few retro moments, as Levystep has managed to carve out its own identity, with a sound to get across, and something to say and sing about.
- East Coast Music with Bob Mersereau

Halifax's venerable Seahorse Tavern will be rocking tonight (Friday) as the group Levystep take the stage to trumpet their debut release, These Times. The Haligonian quintet has been at it since 2009, building a solid fanbase for their rich set of originals. The new release, available as a download on the band's website, is an eight-track set produced by by former Our Lady Peace and current Crash Karma guitarist Mike Turner. It's big guitar rock, with lots of ringing notes, with just a touch of atmospheric soloing, and a big emphasis on choruses and lyrics.


Lead single Hope is a good example of all that, with its moody verses which explode at the chorus. It starts with a solo guitar, edgy and umm, Edge-y, then singer Mike Renaud joins in, a serious lyric from a guy with a big, alternative voice even in the soft parts. Lots of power chords and drums join in for the first chorus, but it's still relatively subdued, and we go back to another softer verse. The catchy chorus hits us louder the second time, and then it's time for some shredding, but not too much. as we soon get a moodier middile eight. It's just setting us up for that last volley, though. The tune fist-pumps its way to a close.

Each of the tracks here are solidly concocted, playing to the strengths of the group, who make a mighty ensemble noise, but can leave enough room for Renaud to belt out the words. While basically a guitar band, there's prescious few retro moments, as Levystep has managed to carve out its own identity, with a sound to get across, and something to say and sing about.
- East Coast Music with Bob Mersereau

It won't be long now, til the Babzee's crew makes the announcement regarding who will be playing at the 4th Fred Rock event scheduled once again for Fredericton this coming summer.

After a rainsoaked debut in 2009, which pretty much washed away any walk up business (I remember barely being able to see Matt Mays perform through the sheets of rain), Fred Rock recovered somewhat by playing it smart, and dealing primarily with domestic acts, which improved their bottom line a great deal. Last year's Joel Plaskett/Sam Roberts show (augmented by a surprisingly strong undercard) was vindication for the upstart promoters, and helped to land them on solid footing once again.

With this blog, I'm out for a little vindication of my own. Last year I only got one of the headliners right, mind you I only took 5 guesses. Still, thats only batting .200, not exactly overwhelming numbers by any stretch. I cast a much wider net this year...17 stabs in the dark. If I can bring my average up to...say .250, that means 4.25 bands on this list will be on the Fred Rock stage this summer. I'm not sure how we'd handle the .25 part, maybe Raine Maida can open the festival with a set Tuvan throat singing, or something...that would be 1/4 of OLP.

This year Mike and Nick are holding their cards as tight as ever, and in all fairness, I would too. Think about it, what better way to have someone discuss your show, than have them take a guess at it. Blogs, like the one you're reading right now, will probably insure this sort of cat-and-mouse game for years to come. I hope so. Besides, they are probably are still figuring out the hand they are holding at this point. Even having Babineau as my captive, as he stood in front of me in line at Subway, provided little new information (except that he went with the flatbread, which does usually indicate ties to the Communist Party).

Here's what I do know (and admittedly, it's not much):

This year they are looking to expand to two full days for 2012, and once again the Loyalist City Rugby Club will play host. The dates are Aug 10-11.

Here's what I've heard:

The organizers are looking at the possibility of considering international acts once again, which does open up some interesting possible scenarios, and also makes this little exercise that much more thought provoking. I also heard that one of the nights might be heavier than the other, which again makes for some interesting possibilities.

Here goes nothing...

Do you think for a second that Fred Rock insider (and the muscle behind the operation) Matt Harris wouldn't ensure that his new Halifax based band, Levystep, isn't on the bill? Think again, and good on 'em...they're a talented bunch that deserves a slot on the big stage. One thing for sure, the kid can sing. Plus, August gives them time to grow some hair (guy on the left, you're ok...but your friends need to step it up a bit). Last time in Fredericton? I dunno...last month? - Uncle Rob's FredRock Predictions

WHAT MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING ABOUT LEVYSTEP

“The album sounds really great, really professional…” Christina Fitzgerald Assistant Director Live 105 Evanov Radio Group

“Great songs. Killer singing. Well thought out playing….” Mickey Quase, Music Development Officer, Nova Scotia

“You guys are a solid unit….” Rob Pinnock Music Director 105.3 The Fox, Astral Radio - LevyStep Music Group 2012

WHAT MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING ABOUT LEVYSTEP

“The album sounds really great, really professional…” Christina Fitzgerald Assistant Director Live 105 Evanov Radio Group

“Great songs. Killer singing. Well thought out playing….” Mickey Quase, Music Development Officer, Nova Scotia

“You guys are a solid unit….” Rob Pinnock Music Director 105.3 The Fox, Astral Radio - LevyStep Music Group 2012