Arts

Van GooseHabitual Eater(Cardboard Queen Records)3/5 The best way to describe Van Goose’s debut album would be “an indie futuristic secret agent videogame soundtrack.” And even though it’s a debut, the sole member of Van Goose, Shlomie Lavie, has been around the music industry for years and is the drummer of alt-rockers Marcy Playground. But experience […]

A new exhibit at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) is bringing the works of an artist who was overlooked in the early 20th century to the public’s attention once again. Emily Carr was born in 1871 in Victoria; today she is well known for her intriguing landscapes and unique painting style. AGGV chief […]

He meant to be a painter, but LA-based MC Chali 2na just couldn’t help it. From the hip hop group Jurassic 5 to the Grammy-winning band Ozomatli, 2na (pronounced “tuna,” real name Charles Stewart) is now preparing to tour his latest solo EP, Instrumentality, the fifth and final instalment of his Against the Current EP […]

Jane’s PartyCasual Island(Independent)4.5/5 The simple lyrics and amazing instrumental prowess found on Casual Island, the fourth album from Toronto-based pop-rock quartet Jane’s Party, make it the best thing since The Beach Boys and their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Casual Island takes us on an audio trip, starting with a slow, melodic beat on “Wait for […]

“I don’t want to say I don’t give a shit anymore, but I give less shit.” This is Juno-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Mangan, who, when we chat, is about to launch a Canada-wide tour in support of his latest album, More or Less. Although I am the sixth of seven back-to-back interviews for him, I […]

At 72 years old, beloved Canadian children’s performer Fred Penner has been delighting multiple generations of fans for over 40 years. It’s a feat that Penner himself admits he has no idea how he’s managed to pull off. “All I can relate that to is my commitment to what I’ve been doing,” says Penner. “I […]

Wednesday, February 6A Soup-er good causeThe annual Souper Bowls For Hope 2019 is quickly approaching; the event, which takes place in April, includes a soup bowl auction for the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society. From 5:45 to 8:45 pm on February 6, you can go to Fired Up! ceramics studio to paint a bowl to be […]

Sammy Duke Terminus (Independent)4.5/5  With his second album, Terminus, Ontario-based multi-instrumentalist Sammy Duke sets himself apart from the rest of today’s folk-rock and world-fusion artists. Terminus, which was recorded in a solar-powered studio, starts off with “Pressure,” a hearty song with a pop-rock feel that is lively and upbeat yet depressing and introspective; it sets the tone […]