South of Bloor

Taking their name from one of the trendiest, and diverse streets in this city, Toronto, Canada’s South Of Bloor, released their debut EP in January 2014. Simply entitled, ‘The Street‘, the 5 track album has me wondering where the hell have these guys been hiding?

“Take Me In“, is a wonderfully upbeat song. It has a great melody and hook, and some cool changes.I sob5particularly like the bridge. A way cool pop song, and a great way to open the album. The more alternative-rock track “Woman” offers great vocals, cool guitar, and a dynamite ending. I also enjoyed the wonderfully placed hand-claps. “Versus” has a terrific melody, a great vocal track, and an incredibly powerful bridge/chorus, while “40 Lands” gives up some great drumming and a sweet riff. My favorite track on the album, “The Street“, is insanely good. There are amazing vocals, with wonderfully subtle harmonies. Written and performed with dynamic simplicity, this could be a track on any Tom Petty album. Dynamite song.

South Of Bloor have re-generated my lust for pop. The songs are exquisite 2-3 minute masterpieces. Their ability to write wonderful bridges and changes has me almost awe struck. The vocals are spectacular. The melodies, wonderful. This album delivers 5 terrific pop songs with alternative rock influences. And it works. A wonderful album. A fun time. - I Can't Believe My Earz

It’s been a while since we ran a First Spin Monologues on the website–then again, it has been a while since the website has been as active with new posts and content as it has been of late. The feature was always meant to be reserved for special bands who mean a lot to us, where we wanted to be the ones who shared their music with you for the first time. South of Bloor is one of those bands, and we can’t wait for you to hear/stream The Street exclusively and for the first time on Two Way Monologues.

First, the backstory. South of Bloor entered the life of Two Way Monologues in two different ways, at more or less the same time. South of Bloor were long-time favourites of GreenShades, and regularly played their earlier Thursday night showcases at Rancho. Hearing Antony and Blake speak about them, you could tell there were few bands in Toronto they were as excited about. At the same time, they befriended Chris Sampson (sound tech extraordinaire) and he went to work recording their first record.

With some of my best friends involved with the band I would hear a lot about them and get to see them live quite regularly–and there was no denying South of Bloor were a good band, but I was always of the mind that something was missing.

But in the months just before my move I came to realize that if they were missing something before, that problem was now long gone. The band played my all-time favourite Wreckage Vinyl Party and our debut show at the Handlebar, both of which were fantastic. Their live energy really captivated the audience and the set seemed more diverse and challenging then before–but with all acts you always have to wonder would it translate to record.

Enter The Street and…

It is the opinion of Two Way Monologues that this is a stellar representation of how far South of Bloor has come, and very much a record that should announce to the Canadian music community that they are ready to take the next step–whatever it might be.

The Street is a five-song EP–it only takes about 16 minutes of your time to listen to it, but you should definitely give the album several spins so that it can really sink its addictive fangs into you. The first impression you are likely to get is “Hey, this record is quality indie-pop tinged with hints of emo.” But the more you listen, the more the intricacies of the record–and why the guys took so much time recording and fine tuning it–start to come out.

More than anything, what stands out is the precision of the vocals, which in my personal opinion are recorded and delivered perfectly. You probably aren’t going to hear a better example of that than on album opener “Take Me In”–which does exactly that and doesn’t let you go for the next 16 minutes. The album closes with “40 Lands” which brings as much or more energy than any other part of the album. I like the way the album starts with a banger and ends with one as well. I feel like this is just the tip of the musical iceberg for South of Bloor, and for the record to leave the listener wanting more is very fitting.

If you like your music to be based in an indie-pop/indie-rock style while still challenging you from that framework with cool songwriting and unique influences, then South of Bloor’s record The Street is something you absolutely should check out. Stream it here on the site, and then make plans to go and see them live on the 18th of January at the Horseshoe Tavern w/ Trevor James and the Perfect Gentlemen, Brothers of North, and Patrick Grant and the Flesh Vignettes–brought to you by TWM!

Cheers,

Dan - Dan Wolovic

Yesterday I stumbled across this Canadian Indie-Pop band while looking for something completely different. No, not porn…
But I’m really glad I did, because ‘South of Bloor’ delivers the best new sound I’ve heard so far this year, and will be a strong contender in the category “Best New Band for My Ears” in 2014. These guys could be huge if they keep making music like this.

This is the title track from their debut EP “The Streets”. They remind me a bit of Kings of Leon, while the beginning to this song reminds me a bit of Live’s ‘Lightning Crashes’. Both of these are good things. - Vegard

About two years ago, I was at the Silver Dollar watching two of my local bands Dildoniks and (the recently departed) The Shady Bails. That night Dan B of South of Bloor introduced himself to me and asked if I had any open gigs. A month later I booked them for their first of many Thursday Thursday visits. This trio consisting of Dan Bouwhuis, Kevin Zemnickis, and Mike Burger play wicked ass-dancey-rock. Straight up, I kid you not. At the very least: tap your foot goodness. Listen to the track “Tooth or Bear” and the answer is in the first line. Check them out February 9th at the Garrison.

Posted on January 26, 2012 - Antony East - GreenShades Productions