Reviews from the depths of the arts desk

The Gazette pans for gold through years of accumulated CDs

Life Theoretic – When the Truth Comes Out

If the cover artwork was not a big enough hint, When the Truth Comes Out by Life Theoretic is a rock album filled with heavy guitar riffs and euphemisms for pain. This being their only album, the five piece Alternative-Rock group from Toronto, Ontario takes listeners on an emotional journey through heartbreak and learning to let go with a musical style similar to that of Muse and Radiohead. “How insane it must have been the air that day for you to try and kill me” is the first line the listener hears upon starting this album; and the theme continues for the other nine songs that follow this opening track, The Chevy Affair. With song titles such as Choke Panic Blues and The Ravages of Life, I would not suggest this album to enjoy on a cozy night by the fireplace, however it is definitely the right album for a hardcore rock out session in your dorm room after an intense exam.

Nans and Nat – The Right Words

The Right Words by Nans and Nat definitely has the most confusing album cover that I have ever come across. Both the front and back cover feature a very tired-looking man and woman staring intensely at the camera in an eerie way that just screams tortured indie soul. The confusing part, however, is when the first track of the album plays and incredibly catchy electro-pop music starts pumping out of your speakers. Talk about mixed signals. In their debut album, Nans and Nat captivate listeners with unique leading vocals, dance-worthy pop beats and a style very similar to Ellie Goulding. With tracks like Tell Me, Spring and Halo, The Right Words by Nans and Nat is sure to get you dancing at any time of the day.

These Kids Wear Crowns – Self-Titled EP

In contrast to the other two albums, These Kids Wear Crowns decided to turn their album cover into a photo album. If the promise of hilarious pictures of the band weren’t reason enough to check out this album, the music is actually pretty good as well. In their self-titled EP, These Kids Wear Crowns mix good vocals, guitars, bass and amazing drums to create a really enjoyable pop rock album. Their single Break It Up, the opening track, combines amazing instruments with optimistic lyrics and is definitely a favourite from the album. With a musical style similar to bands such as Marianas Trench, All Time Low and Hedley, this British Columbian band provides an album in which every song is the perfect party song.

All CDs reviewed by the Gazette are available for listening in the Gazette office, room 312 of the Student Union Building.