SHOW CASE
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By Andrew Leyenhorst
DAVID ROTUNDO
What : Blues Where : Toronto , ON Visit : www . davidrotundo . com
Nearly two decades after the release of his debut LP , Blowin ’ for Broke , David Rotundo ’ s latest record , So Much Trouble , is a testament to his reputation as one of Canada ’ s finest blues artists . Released under the David Rotundo Band moniker , the album exudes a timeless feeling that makes for a cathartic and near-nostalgic listen . Produced by legendary harmonica player and manufacturer Lee Oskar , and led by Rotundo ’ s soulful harmonica riffing and smoky vocals , So Much Trouble delivers a contemporary blues experience that is executed with unabated coolness and ease .
From the opening “ She ’ s Dynamite ” that boogies with relentless momentum , to the lonely slide guitar-laden “ Hard Times Coming ,” or smooth-swinging “ Too Blue ”, the 12-track effort finds itself exploring the blues landscape from a multitude of angles , to splendid results that keep its 56-minute runtime rife with refreshing variety .
Lyrically , Rotundo delivers a raw and somewhat timely effort , as the songs are especially relatable without feeling like an overt pandemic record . Overall , So Much Trouble is a very well-rounded , engaging set of modern blues tracks that suits every aesthetic , from coffee and cigarettes to reckless fun and fine spirits .
Montreal brother and sister duo Just Costa deliver exactly the right kind of sound to shine some light into the world as we exit a bleak winter . Jesse and Juliana Just Costa ’ s brand of pop is an uncompromising and undeniably delightful treat , and they know it .
In anticipation of their upcoming EP Peachy , the newly-released single “ 514 ” is a warm , yet comfortably breezy homage to their hometown that demonstrates a profound appreciation while admiring the energy of the locale . “ The song is a love letter to our city ,” Juliana Just Costa explains . “ We feel so lucky to be from here ; people are so unique and open . It ’ s such a free-spirited place . Inspiration can be found everywhere .”
The song also marks a milestone for the duo as the first of their catalogue to be entirely self-produced , and they ’ ve done an impressive job . Smooth , funky guitars and plucky synths provide a pleasant foundation for the siblings ’ equally and uniquely entrancing vocals as they trade verses . The song ’ s vibrant video was also an entirely do-it-themselves affair , and it ’ s clear that they ’ re well en route to their moment in the sun .
JUST COSTA
What : Pop Where : Montreal , QC Visit : www . justcosta . ca
PRETOX
What : Alternative Rock Where : Hamilton , ON Visit : www . pretox . ca
With seemingly no shortage of quality rock music emanating from the smokestacks of Steel Town , Hamilton trio Pretox are a band perfectly suited for a Red Hill Valley sunset cruise .
With a refreshingly diverse helping of singles currently on offer , the group deliver a rousing selection of dirty , garage-y riffs , playful and soulful verses , and infectious sing-along hooks that just feel good to listen to .
The outfit ’ s latest single , “ Haywire ,” is a quintessential foot-tapping highway anthem that ’ ll quite frankly drive the car for you . Introduced by a snarling riff from bassist Jessie Taynton and a swath of glorious feedback from guitarist and lead vocalist Alex Maich , the tune revs up into a powerful wall of tone as drummer Ryan Luke brings in the beat .
When the groove kicks in , it ’ s admittedly hard not to feel the tinge of longing for the return of live music ; bands and songs such as this purely encapsulate the spirit and energy of rock . Cleverly interweaving guitar parts tease the listener through the verses before ultimately culminating in a satisfying chorus of soaring harmonies .
Other tracks , such as the contemplative “ Limbo ” and funky “ Bungalow ,” explore a few different veins and demonstrate the band ’ s versatility , leaving a burning intrigue for what they ’ ll do next . °
78 CANADIAN MUSICIAN