THE PLAYLIST
Dylan Hudecki is a Canadian indie-rock vet having played in many different bands, including By Divine Right, Cowlick and Junior Blue and The Dill. He’s a proud Hamiltonian and has joined HAMILTON CITY Magazine to cover local album releases.
Famous and Betty – Be the Light
Famous Framus and Betty Bomb’s latest release Be the Light is a raw, high-octane blend of dirty down blues and fiery rockabilly soul. Recorded live off the floor at Blue Tilt Studio in downtown Hamilton, this album captures the gritty essence of a duo who live and breathe their music.
From the very first chord, the slapback vocals and sultry grooves transport listeners to a place where the blues roots intertwine with punk rockabilly energy. Famous Framus’ slide guitar playing is a nod to the blues invasion of the ’50s and ’60s, while also tipping its hat to the early 2000s’ garage revival, evoking the raw power of acts like the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and The White Stripes. The lyrics, “Walk around downtown. Dig a hole. Sell my soul,” embody the album’s downtown grit and soul-baring honesty.
Betty Bomb on drums drives the record with thunderous precision, locking into grooves that are as primal as they are infectious. Together, this married couple creates a sound that feels far larger than the sum of its parts, embodying a garage blues ethos that pulses with energy and authenticity. Tracks like "Be the Light,” “Lover Man,” and “Not Today Satan” are standout examples of the duo’s chemistry, their sound dynamic being rooted in the deep tradition of the blues.
The album holds a special significance for Famous Framus, marking his 12th release since 2003. Returning to Blue Tilt Studio, where his first solo EP Live Off the Floor was recorded, Be the Light feels like a full-circle moment – a testament to his journey as an artist. The entire recording, mixing, and mastering process was kept in-house, with longtime collaborator Danny Zivkovic (Danny Z) at the helm.
Be the Light is a bold, unapologetic release, standing toe-to-toe with Famous Framus’ contemporaries.
“This release is more than just another record – it’s a labour of love, a culmination of years of dedication, and a dream fulfilled with its long-awaited vinyl release,” says the duo, who plays The Casbah the second Saturday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
RIYL: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, White Stripes, Johnny Winter, The Cramps, Teenage Head. Their motto: Garage blues! Punk gospel! Rockabilly soul!
Lost Faculty – Drifter
Lost Faculty’s Drifter bursts with energetic vibes marking it a standout release from the Hamilton-based band. Kicking off with “Drifter,” the EP delivers an upbeat blend of indie rock and pop influences. Tracks like “Bucket List” and “Demo 5” are characterized by their lively tempos and catchy hooks, showcasing the band’s knack for creating feel-good and at times epic anthems. The production, recorded at the legendary downtown Threshold Recording Studio, is crisp, enhancing the vibrant and dynamic sound of the release. With its engaging melodies and upbeat energy, Drifter is a fun, memorable listen that highlights Lost Faculty’s potential and infectious charm.
RIYL: Hey Rosetta, Dan Mangan, Arkells
Slow Reader – Slow Reader
Tori Tizzard has a soft emotive voice and quality that sets a compelling tone for Slow Reader’s debut self titled EP. It’s a playful blend of quirky upbeat melodies and reflective lyrics that creates an engaging listen.
On “Awkward Tanlines”, it’s nice to hear a band dedicate a whole chorus and outro to a single almost teenage-esque theme, singing “….I wanna make out, I wanna make OUT!” over and over again.
This self-titled EP is cool, contagious fun and it’s catchy in a singular, somewhat modern wholesome way. Topics like urban sprawl, blurry karaoke nights, and not wanting your friends to go home with the wrong guy are sequenced together nicely. It’s a solid first release from this outfit that knows what they are and who they are, which is a journey in itself.
RIYL: Best Coast, Juliana Hatfield, Alvvays, bubble gum jangle indie pop, riding your bikes with friends on a summer night looking for a random pool to hop in.
Sunnsetter – The Best That I Can Be
I’m new to this band, but they’ve managed to gain my interest. The album merges lush instrumentation with poignant lyrics, providing a powerful message of hope and resilience. Its rich shoe-gazing, fuzzed, bedroom indie pop production makes for some memorable highlights and a solid arc. “I Hear a Voice” sets an optimistic tone that resonates throughout the album. Andrew McLeod’s droney guitar arrangements provide a rich backdrop, showcasing their ability to merge introspection with lush, textured soundscapes.
The Best that I Can Be was written over the course of three years, which were some of the most complicated but rewarding years personally for McLeod. Not only did they grieve the loss of a close friend and bandmate, but they were dealing with sobriety, their mental health, and concepts around gender identity and queerness. McLeod came out the other side having learned how to love and be loved by the people around them. A nice lesson and album indeed.
RIYL: Bright Eyes, melancholy Smashing Pumpkins era, My Bloody Valentine, Sigur Ros, Zoon, Diiv, Alex G.
