The Balconies were a huge surprise hit with me; although I’m originally from Ottawa, I had not heard of this band prior to seeing them at NXNE . Really catchy songs and excellent bass riffs throughout. Their style is quite mature, evoking similarities to other great artists spanning 80′s new wave, contemporary alt-rock, and dance-rock. I would definitely see them again, and I’m looking forward to hearing their upcoming full-length release.

I’ve been a fan of the Love Machine for several years (I’m also a long-time friend of the band, shamelessly plugging them here). They’re in the studio currently recording a full-length, which will undoubtedly add to their repertoire of great hook-filled feel-good jams (their two EPs, and the single ‘Love is on Your Side’). From what I’ve heard so far, their new material has them branching out into new stylistic territory (i.e. a blues-rock influence), which combined with their talent for vocal harmonizing, has me quite interested in hearing the forthcoming album.